NFL Rumors: 49ers' Deebo Samuel to return from calf injury in Week 4 vs. Patriots | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

San Francisco 49ers star receiver Deebo Samuel is expected to return from his calf injury in Week 4 against the New England Patriots, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Samuel was sidelined in Week 3 for a loss to the Los Angeles Rams, although he was expected to miss more time with even head coach Kyle Shanahan telling reporters that the wideout would be out for “a couple of weeks.”

Instead, the versatile player will return to action after missing just one game and give a boost to a team that's just 1-2 on the field to start the year.

Samuel has already impressed early in the year with 177 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in two games in 2024.

What follows is a season to be proud of in 2023. In 15 games, he recorded 60 receptions for 892 yards and seven touchdowns, along with 225 rushing yards and five more scores on the ground, helping the 49ers reach the Super Bowl before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Samuel missed two games midway through the 2023 season with a shoulder injury, but was still a factor in San Francisco posting a 12-5 record and securing first place in the NFC. However, he failed to reach the end zone in any of the team's three playoff games.

Samuel is expected to have a cap hit of $12.2 million this season before that number jumps to $28.3 million next year. So San Francisco is certainly hoping he'll be healthy as the team aims for another trip to the Super Bowl.

While San Francisco will still be without running back Christian McCaffrey, the passing attack should be dangerous with receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings and tight end George Kittle all ready to play in Week 4.