Concerning news emerges about Deebo Samuel after Week 7 exit

Aug 29, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

The illness that forced Deebo Samuel out of the game in Week 7 is apparently more serious than many thought.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed to reporters on Monday that the former All-Pro receiver Samuel is currently in the hospital. Samuel is dealing with pneumonia as well as fluid in his lungs. There is no timeline for Samuel’s return to action, Shanahan added.

Samuel, who has struggled with various minor injuries in seasons past, appeared in five of the first six games of the season for the 49ers. In Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Samuel attempted to play through his illness but logged just four offensive snaps and did not catch a pass before leaving the game for good in the first half.

In addition to losing the game to the Chiefs 28-18, the 49ers lost their other star receiver to a torn ACL. With Samuel now battling a case of pneumonia that is serious enough to put him in the hospital, he may be sidelined for an extended period as well.