Barrows: Samuel to miss time, Bosa could return for Week 6

The San Francisco 49ers moved to 5-0 with a resilient win over the Seattle Seahawks, but the victory came at a cost: wide receiver Deebo Samuel is expected to miss multiple games with a hamstring injury.

The Athletic’s Matt Barrows joined Jason Ross to recap the divisional matchup and said San Francisco’s ability to withstand a third-quarter swing stood out.

After Brock Purdy threw an interception and Samuel fumbled, Seattle took the lead, a sequence Barrows said would have unraveled past 49ers teams.

“This squad had the resolve, the grit to resist that, to kind of absorb that body blow,” Barrows said. “They did not buckle when every indicator suggested that they would.”

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 11: Deebo Samuel Sr. #19 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball after his reception against Julian Love #20 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field on October 11, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Barrows said Seattle’s takeaways and special-teams pressure nearly delivered the Seahawks’ familiar formula, but San Francisco answered with defensive plays of its own.

He singled out safety Malik Mustapha’s hard hit on Jaxon Smith-Njigba and his late stop near the first-down marker. Mustapha, who had been limited to a small role, “made the most of it” when his opportunity came.

The win also highlighted San Francisco’s offseason addition of Mike Evans. With Samuel injured and the receiving corps stretched thin, Evans became Purdy’s dependable target late.

Barrows called the fourth-quarter connection between the two “an unbelievable drive” and said Evans proved he could “put a team on his back at crunch time.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 04: Deebo Samuel Sr. #19 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after making a catch for a first down in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium on October 04, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Samuel’s absence could last beyond Monday’s game against Washington. Barrows expects him to miss that matchup and the following game at Atlanta, with the bye week offering a possible path back for the Raiders game.

He said the receiver had been visibly laboring with his hamstring during the first half and was concerned that returning to the field risked worsening the injury.

San Francisco’s already-thin receiver group may need increased contributions from Brandon Cooks, Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins, along with a practice-squad elevation.

Plus: More encouraging news on Nick Bosa. Barrows reported that Bosa is “definitely playing against Atlanta” and believes he has “a really good shot” to play against Washington.

The defensive end said recent progress had raised his optimism, though Barrows cautioned that a Washington return would mean a short turnaround before Atlanta.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 20: Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Miami Dolphins at Levi’s Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Barrows also pointed to Christian McCaffrey’s lighter workload: 80 touches through five games, compared with 130 at the same point last season.

McCaffrey has still scored in four straight games. For a 5-0 team managing injuries, keeping him effective without overuse may be another key to sustaining its early momentum.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• 49ers survive wild finish in Seattle, improve to 5-0
• Sando: 49ers’ sack-free start shows Brock Purdy’s growth
• ESPN’s Nick Wagoner: Brock Purdy is playing at an MVP level
• Is Brock Purdy A Top-Tier Quarterback?

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Sunday, October 11th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:25 pm PT
• Monday, October 19th – vs. Washington Commanders – 5:15 pm PT
• Sunday, October 25th – @ Atlanta Falcons – 10:00 am PT
• Sunday, November 8th – vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, November 15th – @ Dallas Cowboys – 1:25 pm PT

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