Samuel's hamstring injury "didn't look good"

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan admitted after Sunday's loss to Washington that WR Deebo Samuel's hamstring injury "didn't look good." ESPN's Nick Wagoner tweeted that there's a "real chance" Samuel misses the rest of the season -- although that seems more like speculation than a report. We should get an update on Samuel's status tomorrow. WR Brandon Aiyuk dominated targets in his absence vs. Washington, turning 16 targets into 10 catches for 119 yards.

Niners WR Deebo Samuel fulfilled the Deebo Samuel role in Sunday's opening loss to the Bears. He drew a team-high 8 targets but caught just 2 for 14 yards in rain-drenched conditions. Samuel added 52 yards and a TD on 8 carries, trailing only QB Trey Lance among 49ers in rushing yards. We certainly can't count on rushing scores every week for Samuel, but the target count to go with the rushing work is encouraging. That's what lacked in the 2nd half of last year, when he was getting more handoffs than passing looks. Brandon Aiyuk drew just 2 target against the Bears, catching both for 40 yards. WR Jauan Jennings posted team highs of 4 receptions and 62 yards on 6 targets.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel is sidelined for Sunday's practice with a "contusion behind his knee," according to insider Matt Maiocco. "He probably won’t practice this week, but should be good to go for preparations to face the Bears in Week 1," Maiocco adds. We'll keep an eye on Samuel but aren't adjusting his spot in the WR Rankings.

After 49ers WR Deebo Samuel requested a trade this offseason, word spread that he wasn't happy with the way the team used him in the 2nd half of last season. That's when Samuel saw a near-even split between receiving (87 catches) and rushing (86 carries). "That's false," he told reporters Tuesday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Samuel apparently didn't elaborate. That doesn't seem to put us any closer to knowing how his touches will break down in 2022 and beyond -- especially after learning that his extension includes annual $650,000 incentives for reaching 380 rushing yards. What we do know is that there's a lot about his 2021 season that Samuel will have a hard time repeating.

The 49ers and WR Deebo Samuel have agreed to a 3-year extension. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that it's a $71.55 million deal, with a max value of $73.5 million and $58.1 million in guarantees. The length of the contract means Samuel will hit another contract year at age 29. This should return the star WR to full practice, after a tumultuous offseason.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel reported for the start of training camp on Tuesday. He reportedly requested a trade earlier this offseason, but the team has said all along that it has no plans on moving him. "We've had productive and substantive talks [about a new contract]," GM John Lynch said. "Don't want to get people excited that we're imminent because we're not there yet. .... Deebo's here today and we're excited to move forward with him on this team. We're focused on getting something done." Until we get a new contract or trade, there's still some added risk on Samuel's fantasy outlook. But it seems to be a good bet that he'll play for the 49ers this year.