Through five weeks, the San Francisco 49ers looked unbeatable until they ran into the Cleveland Browns in Week 6.
The 49ers had been firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball, but they suffered their first loss to a Browns team that was suffocating defensively.
San Francisco had trouble moving the football downfield, and Brock Purdy looked uncomfortable navigating the pressure in the pocket.
It was Purdy’s first regular season loss since taking over as the starting quarterback, but the 49ers lost more than just the game.
Christian McCaffrey left the matchup after hurting his oblique, while Deebo Samuel also exited with a shoulder injury.
Although McCaffrey has a shot at suiting up on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings, Samuel will miss the game plus more via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
#49ers WR Deebo Samuel was declared out for MNF vs. the #Vikings with a hairline fracture of his shoulder, according to coach Kyle Shanahan. He’ll miss two games, then the bye. LT Trent Williams is doubtful for the game, while RB Christian McCaffrey is questionable.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 21, 2023
Losing Samuel is a blow to the San Francisco offense as he’s arguably their best pass catcher.
Samuel hasn’t quite had the best season of his career, but he remains a threat when he gets the football in his hands.
With him being out until after the bye week, Kyle Shanahan will have to rely on Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle to assume more responsibility in the passing game.
McCaffrey could also see an increase in targets if he’s able to go against the Vikings, though it remains to be seen if he’ll suit up.
The Vikings will also be shorthanded as they’re without Justin Jefferson, but they could be feeling more confident going into the matchup knowing that the 49ers are missing an explosive weapon.
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