The 49ers’ wide receiver group was already in flux going into the offseason given the amount of uncertainty at the position. To make an already shaky situation worse, Deebo Samuel suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot which will likely keep him out to start the season according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He also reported that San Francisco plans to sign speedy wideouts JJ Nelson and Tavon Austin.
Initial reports when Samuel broke his foot in mid-June said he would be out 12-16 weeks. The exact 12-week mark would’ve put him back in the lineup just in time for the team’s Sept. 13 opener. Given the nature of the injury, it sounds now like he could miss at least the first game. If San Francisco only expects him to miss one or two games, they won’t start him on any injured list, which would force him out for at least six games.
Samuel stated on Instagram after the injury that he would return within 10 weeks, but that doesn’t sound like it’ll happen.
Samuel was the team’s leading wide receiver last season with 57 receptions and 802 receiving yards. He also racked up a franchise rookie record 961 all-purpose yards. The sooner he’s back the better for the 49ers’ offense which will lean heavily on Samuel’s multifaceted skill set.
Neither Nelson nor Austin will be expected to fill in for Samuel. They’re both exceptionally fast receivers though who could help fill the void left by Richie James Jr. who broke his hand in the offseason and will be out at least for the first part of camp. Austin has experience returning punts — something that was on James’ list of responsibilities. Nelson has not taken on significant return duties in his NFL career.
Nelson clocked a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL combine before the Cardinals made him a fifth-round pick in the 2015 draft. He has 85 catches for 1,475 yards and 11 touchdowns in five NFL seasons.
Austin also ran a blistering 40 at the combine, clocking a 4.34 before becoming the No. 8 overall selection by the St. Louis Rams. His skill set has turned him into more of a gadget player and return specialist in the NFL. He has 215 career receptions and 196 career carries, along with 185 punt returns. Austin has the kind of explosive playmaking ability and versatility that head coach Kyle Shanahan can utilize effectively.
Neither Nelson nor Austin are locks to make the club, but their field-stretching speed makes them intriguing additions. Austin especially because of all the things he can do on the field. Ultimately though, the 49ers’ receiving corps needs Samuel on the field and healthy more than anything else.
