The San Francisco 49ers won their sixth game in a row on Sunday by blasting Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 35-7.
Brock Purdy, the last player chosen in the 2022 NFL Draft, played outstanding ball as the team’s third starting quarterback this season, while running back Christian McCaffrey did double-duty, running for 119 yards and a touchdown while adding 34 yards and a second touchdown in the air.
But the injury bug continued to bite the 49ers, as they lost All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel to a leg injury.
The news on him wasn’t good on Monday, but it wasn’t terrible either, as he is expected to return by the end of the regular season.
49ers star receiver Deebo Samuel suffered a knee (MCL) sprain and an ankle sprain, per source. Expected to return at some point in the regular season.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 12, 2022
Niners fans across social media were relieved that Samuel didn’t sustain a more severe injury.
👏🏻🏈💪🏻 Great news!! 🙏🏻 Get well soon #DeeboSamuel Go @49ers https://t.co/ySLCanxsY7
— José Espinosa (@jepcapfin) December 13, 2022
However, the injury was bad news for some who play fantasy football, and they were upset.
Had Deebo Samuel, Kyler Murray, and Tee Higgins starting in fantasy for me this week and I’m only going to lose by 4 points 😐🙃🤬 I’m convinced the fantasy football gods hate me
— Chiefs (9-3) Super Bowl LVII Champs 🏆 (@MahomesKelceTD) December 13, 2022
Just about in all three of my fantasy playoff leagues, I have Kyler Murray and Deebo Samuel.. I hate fantasy football with a passion.
— Dustin Halupa 🐻⬇️ (@Haloopa) December 13, 2022
Kyler Murray and Deebo Samuel out as soon as the playoffs start. Fam I’m done with fantasy football. I need peace in my life
— 🕊️Elgin (@Jeffrey2Live) December 13, 2022
Losing Samuel Is A Significant Blow
Last season, Samuel broke out in a big way, putting up 1,405 receiving yards, 365 rushing yards, and 14 total touchdowns from scrimmage.
His numbers are down this season, but he has still played a key part in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, as he leads the team in targeted passes with 91.
Without him, the Niners may be able to get by for a little while thanks to continued improvement from fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk, one of the best tight ends in the NFL in George Kittle and the underrated talent and skills of McCaffrey.
On Thursday, they will take on the Seattle Seahawks on the road, a game that could be a stiff test for them.
It will be Purdy’s first career start on the road, and it will come in front of one of the league’s rowdiest fan bases.
If Purdy continues to play well, perhaps San Francisco’s winning streak will remain intact for at least one more week.
