Deebo Samuel injury update reveals negative X-rays, MRI scheduled

There appears to be some good news on the Deebo Samuel front. The 49ers star, who left in the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Browns with a shoulder injury, is expected to be “fine,” according to a report.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that X-rays came back negative for Samuel’s shoulder injury. He will undergo an MRI for further evaluation. The good news? Schultz reported that San Francisco believes Samuel “will be fine.”

Samuel exited Sunday’s game in the first quarter. He had two carries for 11 yards before departing with the shoulder injury.

Source: #49ers WR Deebo Samuel’s shoulder X-ray came back negative.

The next step is an MRI, but I’m told the team believes he “will be fine” after getting injured today vs the #Browns. It’s not considered to be serious.

MRI will tell the full story. pic.twitter.com/LLrVsxrQ2s

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 15, 2023

San Francisco spent much of Sunday’s game against Cleveland without both Samuel and Christian McCaffrey. In addition to Samuel’s shoulder issue, McCaffrey sustained an oblique injury early in the third quarter.

McCaffrey totaled 11 carries for 43 yards and had three catches for nine yards and a touchdown prior to his exit. The 49ers fell short on Sunday, losing a 19-17 decision to the Browns.

49ers kicker Jake Moody had a chance to keep the team’s record perfect on the season, but missed a 41-yard attempt with nine seconds left. San Francisco dropped to 5-1 on the year.

Samuel, McCaffrey top playmakers for 49ers

Despite losing their top offensive producers on Sunday, San Francisco still had a chance to get a win in Cleveland on Sunday. That, alone, is an impressive feat.

McCaffrey is the team’s top rusher this season, piling up 510 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground entering Sunday’s game. He also had 20 catches for 168 yards and one additional trip to the end zone.

Samuel is the team’s second-leading receiver, behind Brandon Aiyuk. In his first five games, he caught 20 passes for 302 yards and a touchdown. He also has 84 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.

With the two stars healthy, the 49ers cruised to a 5-0 start. They posted double-digit victories four times, including a 42-10 thrashing of the Cowboys just last week.

So, Sunday’s result in Cleveland comes as a bit of a surprise. But without the top two players on the field, San Francisco’s offense sputtered a little bit. Plus, it’s hard to be perfect over the course of a 17-game season.

The 49ers return to action on Monday Night Football next week, playing a 2-4 Vikings team in Minnesota. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET and coverage will air on ABC and ESPN.