The Cleveland Browns unexpectedly defeated the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, handing them their first defeat of the season.
Jake Moody failed to convert on a field goal attempt, which led to the 19-17 loss. Trent Williams played despite some pain after injuring his ankle, but the Niners lost crucial players Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffery.
Source: #49ers WR Deebo Samuel’s shoulder X-ray came back negative.
The next step is an MRI, but I’m told the team believes he “will be fine” after getting injured today vs the #Browns. It’s not considered to be serious.
MRI will tell the full story. pic.twitter.com/LLrVsxrQ2s
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 15, 2023
Samuel was forced to leave the game in the first quarter due to a shoulder injury. McCaffrey would leave the game in the third, come back, and then be eliminated in the fourth.
Despite finishing with his lowest yardage total (52) since Week 11 of last season, the running back had a strong start and scored a touchdown to make it 15 straight games in which he has scored.
McCaffrey’s injury was initially thought to be an oblique strain, but head coach Kyle Shanahan later said there is additional rib damage. Shanahan was unable to comment on the gravity.
#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan did not yet have an update on the severity of injuries to RB Christian McCaffrey and WR Deebo Samuel.
Shanahan did say McCaffrey is dealing with an oblique AND rib injury.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 15, 2023
Nick Wagoner of ESPN said ,
“HC Kyle Shanahan did not yet have an update on the severity of injuries to RB Christian McCaffrey and WR Deebo Samuel. Shanahan did say McCaffrey is dealing with an oblique AND rib injury”
McCaffrey has been a key contributor to the Niners’ success this season, scoring seven touchdowns so far. They’ll be hoping for a speedy return of him.