49ers Receiver Faces Health Setbacks as Team Prepares for Pivotal Matchup Against Dallas Cowboys

The San Francisco 49ers face uncertainty surrounding wide receiver Deebo Samuel’s availability for their highly anticipated Week 8 game against the Dallas Cowboys. Samuel, a vital component of the 49ers’ offense, is battling a combination of illness and a lingering wrist injury that has left fans and team officials alike wondering if he will be ready for the prime-time matchup.

A Battered 49ers’ Wide Receiver Corps

The 49ers began the season with a promising receiving lineup. However, a string of injuries has weakened this key position, leaving the team struggling to fill critical offensive gaps. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings is out with a hip injury, and fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk suffered a devastating, season-ending knee injury. For many fans and analysts, the last thing the 49ers needed was any further disruption—especially to Samuel, who plays such a versatile role in their game plan.

Samuel himself has faced a rough patch in recent weeks. During a disappointing Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, he played only three snaps before being sidelined due to respiratory issues, later diagnosed as pneumonia. This illness followed the wrist injury he had already been nursing, compounding the challenge of his recovery. Samuel’s condition led to a hospital stay the following day, raising concerns about his ability to return to full strength for Sunday’s game.

Return to Practice, But With Limitations

As the team prepared to meet the Cowboys, there was hope that Samuel could make a comeback. Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to the press on Friday, describing the team’s cautious approach to Samuel’s reintroduction to practice. “We’ve gone slow with him,” Shanahan explained. “We didn’t push him that hard knowing what the issue is and stuff. But it has gone better each day and that’s why I’m hoping that continues for Sunday.”

Despite these positive signs, Samuel was listed as “questionable” on the final injury report, leaving his participation uncertain. His guarded optimism reflected the tone of the entire team; he told reporters, “we’ll see” when asked if he expected to play.

Sunday Night Decision Looms Large

While the game’s location at Levi’s Stadium provides the advantage of eliminating travel for Samuel, his final status remains up in the air. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, indications point towards him suiting up. Yet fans won’t have an official answer until 90 minutes before kickoff when inactive lists are announced.

A victory against the Cowboys would help the 49ers climb out of the NFC West’s lower ranks, an opportunity they won’t want to miss. The matchup takes place on Sunday, Oct. 27, with an 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff.