San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) appeared to get right back on track in Week 6. After scoring 18.7 and 18.0 PPR fantasy points in Weeks 1-2, Samuel missed Week 3 with a calf strain. He failed to surpass 11 PPR fantasy points in either Weeks 4-5.
In Week 6, Samuel put up 20.7 PPR points on the Seattle Seahawks, showing off his big-play ability on a 76-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown from quarterback Brock Purdy. He's been an elite presence for fantasy football for years, and it's clear he hasn't lost a step.
So it was confusing for fantasy managers when Samuel put up goose eggs in Week 8, scoring exactly zero fantasy points. He was pulled from the game shortly after it started and didn't return. So is Deebo Samuel hurt or healthy now, and will he play in Week 8?
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Deebo Samuel Injury Update for Fantasy Football
The sixth-year pro was suffering from an illness and had trouble breathing. He attempted to play through his struggles, but wasn't able to overcome them, understandably. Shortly after the game started, he was taken to the sidelines and declared as "OUT" for the remainder of the contest.
49ers Deebo Samuel walked into the locker room right after this and did not return for warmups pic.twitter.com/2zHnOiW08W
— Brad (@Graham_SFN) October 20, 2024
In the above video, you can see him clearly wincing as he associates with his teammates. His problems were apparently present Sunday morning, but weren't reported at that time. He only played three snaps before heading to the locker room during the game.
Deebo Samuel (illness) is headed to the locker room.pic.twitter.com/EY7kZMAtTQ
— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) October 20, 2024
It was an odd sequence of events. Many fantasy managers were burned and could have been greatly assisted by earlier reporting of his health situation. Regardless, it's good that he didn't suffer some bodily injury that could have led to a multi-week absence.
Deebo Samuel Fantasy Football Outlook for Week 8
His ailment may not actually change his outlook for Week 8. We don't have any specifics on what No. 19's illness is, and we may not receiver that information at any point. However, if it's a cold or the flu, his symptoms should be subsided by the time next Sunday rolls around.
BREAKING: Brandon Aiyuk is out for the season, per@Schultz_Report
Tests confirm a season-ending knee injury pic.twitter.com/SS2P1fMniU
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 21, 2024
Just a few minutes ago, star wide receiver and teammate Brandon Aiyuk was confirmed to be out for the year. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 7. This is hugely impactful for Samuel's fantasy outlook. He is an elite fantasy option when Aiyuk isn't on the field.
BREAKING: Brandon Aiyuk is out for the season, per@Schultz_Report
Tests confirm a season-ending knee injury pic.twitter.com/SS2P1fMniU
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 21, 2024
His numbers are absolutely ridiculous in this situation. They're league-winning levels of good. This week was an annoying hiccup for his season, but he could be unleashed and have monster upside that can make big differences in fantasy league outcomes. He should play in Week 8, and he's even more of a must-start every week moving forward.
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