49ers’ Deebo Samuel out with shoulder injury vs. Browns

Samuel appeared to pick up the injury on the second drive of the first quarter. He initially went into the blue medical tent on the field before walking back to the locker room just before the end of the first. Samuel was initially marked as questionable to return late in the first quarter, but was downgraded to out at halftime. Reporters in Cleveland made note that Samuel had removed his pads and was watching the game from the sidelines.

Samuel ended Sunday with 11 yards rushing on two carries. He didn’t have any catches or receiving yards, only getting targeted once before leaving the game. In his place, San Francisco seemed to scheme more opportunities for Ray-Ray McCloud, something they also did in 2022 when Samuel missed time. McCloud had one catch for 4 yards and two rushes for 23 yards in the first half on Sunday.

Samuel nearly missed the Week 4 game against Arizona when he suffered knee and ribs injuries in Week 3. He did end up playing, though he only had three touches. The week before the Browns game was the first time since his injury where he was a full participant in practices all week.

So far in 2023, Samuel has 20 catches for 302 yards and a receiving touchdown, as well as 18 carries for 95 yards and a rushing touchdown.