Is Deebo Samuel playing today? Full injury update for 49ers wide receiver

Deebo Samuel was expected to miss two weeks with a calf issue, but he was upgraded to questionable for Week 4 against the Patriots.

Injuries have already been a major theme for the San Francisco 49ers' 2024 season.

All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, is shelved on injured reserve with an Achilles injury, and there's no concrete timetable for his return.

Additionally, wide receiver Deebo Samuel joined McCaffrey on the injury report, albeit avoiding IR but still dealing with a calf injury suffered during the Niners' Week 2 road loss at the Minnesota Vikings.

Initial reports said Samuel would miss a couple of weeks, and he was inactive for San Francisco's Week 3 bout against the Los Angeles Rams, a contest which he was likely missed, given the 49ers' fourth-quarter collapse and subsequent loss.

However, there might be good news on the horizon as the Niners look to bounce back at home in Week 4 against the 1-2 New England Patriots.

Deebo Samuel poised to play for 49ers in Week 4 vs. Patriots

Samuel returned to practice during the week ahead of the Pats game, albeit in limited capacity.

Officially, his injury designation for Sunday's game is questionable. But that's a significant upgrade over being ruled out or even doubtful for the affair.

On Saturday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz cited a source saying Samuel "plans to play" against New England:

Should this be the case, San Francisco would have nearly a full crop of pass-catching threats available against the Patriots, including fellow wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, as well as tight end George Kittle, who missed last week with a hamstring issue, too.

If Samuel scoots by the 90-minute pregame inactive announcement, it'll be a near guarantee he'll take the field when the 49ers kick off against the Pats on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 4:05 p.m. ET from Levi's Stadium.

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