Overview
- Samuel suffered a hamstring injury late in the third quarter of the 49ers’ Week 5 game and was ruled out after crumpling on a designed run, fumbling as he fell.
- Coach Kyle Shanahan said Samuel will miss “at least a couple of weeks,” and NFL insiders noted the in‑game ruling out and awaiting MRI raise the likelihood of a multiweek absence.
- The injury further thins a receiver room already carrying multiple players on injured reserve and with season‑ending losses, leaving Mike Evans, Brandin Cooks and limited depth as primary options.
- Brandin Cooks filled Samuel’s role in the fourth quarter and scored the go‑ahead touchdown, and the 49ers plan practice‑squad elevations or a short‑term veteran addition to cover snaps.
- With the team’s Week 8 bye approaching, the 49ers must weigh an IR designation versus short rest, a choice that will set Samuel’s minimum missed games and influence play‑calling and fantasy value.