The 49ers will face the Rams in a major NFC West clash Sunday. Both teams will look to gain ground on the division-leading Seahawks. But San Francisco will have to win without one of its most dynamic offensive playmakers.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been ruled out of the contest, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said during his Friday press conference.
Samuel has been crucial in San Francisco's past four games against Los Angeles. He tallied at least 95 receiving yards in each of those games and has totaled 26 receptions for 440 receiving yards and two touchdowns during that span.
This season, Samuel has 32 catches for 387 yards and two touchdowns and has rushed 24 times for 138 yards and another score.
MORE: Christian McCaffrey flashes in 49ers debut despite limited playing time
Here's the latest on Samuel's injury.
Deebo Samuel injury update
Samuel is dealing with a hamstring injury. He was held out of practice Wednesday and Thursday, per the team's injury report.
Shanahan said the decision to hold Samuel out of the game was not precautionary with the team's Week 9 bye looming. He said that Samuel just wasn't ready to play.
"He's not good enough to go," Shanahan said. "The fact that he even had a chance means that hopefully he'll be good with the week off and ready for the next game."
WEEK 8 PICKS: Straight up | Against the spread
The 49ers will host the Chargers on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 10 after the bye.
49ers WR depth chart
Samuel's absence will test the depth of the 49ers' receiving room. Jauan Jennings would be in line to start if he's able to play, but he, too, has missed practice this week with a hamstring injury and is questionable.
If Jennings is also unable to go, Ray-Ray McCloud and Danny Gray would likely see increased time playing on the outside with Brandon Aiyuk.
Shanahan said that Jennings' status will determine whether the team promotes one or two receivers from the practice squad. Three receivers are on the practice squad currently: Malik Turner, Willie Snead IV and Tay Martin.
