Deebo Samuel suffered ankle sprain and MCL sprain, expected back in the regular season

Crisis averted 49ers fans, wide receiver Deebo Samuel could return in the regular season.

The San Francisco 49ers announced Monday that tests confirm a sprained ankle and MCL sprain for the offensive weapon, but he is expected back at some point during the regular season. San Francisco has been awaiting the MRI results after determining Deebo Samuel did not suffer a fracture during the game Sunday.

Samuel suffered the injuries to his left leg in the second quarter of Week 14’s clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Taking a handoff on second-and-nine, Samuel weaved his way through traffic before being tackled by Bucs linebackers Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Anthony Nelson. The wideout’s left leg bent awkwardly, causing him to fumble the ball as he grabbed his knee in agony. Unable to walk off the field under his own power, the cart was brought out to the field.

A devastating injury at first glance, the official news is an early Christmas gift for the 49ers Faithful, and a huge sigh of relief for the organization.

49ers star receiver Deebo Samuel suffered a knee (MCL) sprain and an ankle sprain, per source. Expected to return at some point in the regular season.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 12, 2022

Aside from Deebo Samuel, the 49ers suffered numerous injuries on both sides of the football Sunday, including rookie quarterback Brock Purdy.

The last pick in the 2022 NFL draft suffered an oblique injury Sunday against the Buccaneers, playing through it until he was sat in the fourth quarter with the game essentially over. Shanahan believes the injury was suffered on the second drive of the game when Purdy dove for a first down along the Bucs’ sideline. The play was negated due to a holding call.

“I think it was a challenge for him, just talking to him and seeing him after the game,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday. “I think he really toughed it out and did some real good things with it. I know he’s sore today. Hopefully the MRI will be good and it will give him a chance to play Thursday.”

The MRI confirmed the QB suffered an oblique/rib injury and his status is “day-to-day”.

The QB discussed the injury with reporters after the game, stating that it is affecting him, but hopes he can be “ready to roll” for Thursday night.

Brock Purdy on the hit he took early and the hit that caused the injury.
I fully expect him to play vs Seattle https://t.co/6Qh1oW4iJy pic.twitter.com/fgTUDUu6Hg

— John Chapman (@JL_Chapman) December 12, 2022

If Purdy isn’t able to suit up against the Seattle Seahawks, journeyman QB Josh Johnson will take the reigns for the Red & Gold. The only player to be on 14 different rosters in the NFL, the Oakland native had stints with San Francisco in 2012, 2014, 2020 and 2o21, making him familiar with Shanahan’s offense.

“That’s one of the reasons we brought him here because Josh is really good at picking things up,” the coach added Monday.

On the defensive side, the biggest injury comes from defensive back Dontae Johnson, tearing his ACL in Week 14. Originally drafted by the 49ers in 2014, Johnson has spent time with the Buffalo Bills and LA Chargers before returning to the Bay in 2019.

Additionally, defensive tackle Kevin Givens will likely miss a period of time with a left knee injury, according to Shanahan. The lineman did in fact suffer an MCL sprain.

Other players injured Sunday were defensive linemen Kerry Hyder Jr. (ankle), and cornerbacks Ambry Thomas (ankle) and Samuel Womack (concussion). The latter has already been ruled out for Thursday night in Seattle.

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