What is the 49ers plan at receiver without Deebo Samuel?

October 13, 2026

The San Francisco 49ers’ offensive depth at receiver has been severely tested after Deebo Samuel suffered a hamstring injury in Week 5, forcing him out for several weeks. With Samuel sidelined, the team has lost multiple starters—including Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling, Christian Kirk, Demarcus Robinson, and Khadarel Hodge—to injuries, leaving just Mike Evans as the primary healthy option.

To compensate, the 49ers have turned to Brandin Cooks, Jacob Cowing, and Jordan Watkins, who have stepped in for increased snaps behind Evans, who is also recovering from a rib injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the team will likely activate one of three receivers from their practice squad—Wesley Grimes, Will Pauling, or Xavier Smith—to maintain a full five-receiver unit, though he emphasized they currently have enough depth without further reinforcements for now.

The challenge will be managing the workload, as Evans carried the load in the last game with seven catches for 113 yards and a touchdown, while the team navigates a critical stretch against the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons before their bye week.