Wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been ruled out for the San Francisco 49ers’ upcoming matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on “Monday Night Football.” This means that the remaining receiving corps will have to step up their game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
One player who will take center stage in the 49ers’ offense is Brandon Aiyuk. In five games, Aiyuk has caught 25 of 37 targets for a team-leading 454 yards and two touchdowns. Despite a tough performance in the 49ers’ recent loss to the Cleveland Browns, where he caught only four of his 10 targets, Aiyuk will be looking to bounce back.
To fill the void left by Samuel’s absence, Jauan Jennings and Ray-Ray McCloud may need to step up as well.
McCloud, known for his role as the team’s return specialist, has been targeted only 30 times in his two seasons with the 49ers. However, he has shown potential in carrying the ball in jet sweeps, which adds an extra dimension to the offense. In previous games, McCloud has carried the ball six times for 101 yards and a touchdown. This versatility can confuse defenses, similar to the impact that Samuel brings to the field.
Jennings has been regularly involved in the offense but has only been targeted 12 times in five games this season. Despite this, he has managed to make seven catches for 127 yards. Known to the 49ers Faithful as “Third-and-Jauan,” Jennings had an impressive season in 2022, catching 35 of his 56 targets for 416 yards and a touchdown. This season, he has been on the field for 41 percent of the team’s offensive plays.
Rookie receiver Ronnie Bell could also be a wildcard in the 49ers’ offensive plan for Monday night. Although he has only played 89 offensive snaps and 48 special-teams plays so far, Bell has caught three of his four targets for 31 yards and a touchdown. He may see an increased role in the upcoming game.
While 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has various options to make up for Samuel’s absence, it is undeniable that the team will miss his ability to confuse opposing defenses. Samuel has a unique knack for disguising his actions with the ball, and his absence will be felt on the field.
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