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Deebo Samuel Hospitalized with Pneumonia After Game Against Chiefs

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has disclosed that star wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is currently hospitalized due to pneumonia and fluid accumulation in his lungs. This health issue arose after Samuel attempted to participate in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

As of now, there is no specific timeline for Samuel’s return to the field, as the team’s priority is to ensure he recovers fully. The expectation was for Samuel to play during the highly anticipated Super Bowl LVIII rematch against the Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium, but he was seen on the sidelines wearing an oxygen mask, struggling with his illness.

Reports indicate that Samuel experienced discomfort during warmups and was attempting to gear up for the game despite not feeling well. He had donned his pads and jersey, but ultimately had to leave the game, returning to the locker room and later appearing in street clothes while managing his condition with a towel around his neck.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Samuel started the day feeling ill and tried to tough it out for the sake of his teammates. However, his condition escalated, necessitating hospitalization where tests confirmed he was dealing with pneumonia and excess fluid in his lungs.

This incident compounds the ongoing injury challenges for the 49ers’ offense this season. Brandon Aiyuk, another key receiver, is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to multiple torn ligaments in his right knee, an injury sustained during a hit in the same game. Additionally, running back Christian McCaffrey is dealing with Achilles tendinitis, and tight end George Kittle is listed as day-to-day with a sprained foot.

Given the current injury crisis, the 49ers are eager to see Samuel recover quickly. As a multifaceted offensive player capable of contributing both as a receiver and a running back, his presence is vital to the team’s success. In his sixth season with the 49ers, Samuel has amassed 335 receiving yards and 51 rushing yards, along with two touchdowns in just six games. His previous season performance was impressive, totaling over 1,000 yards from scrimmage along with 12 touchdowns, which significantly contributed to the team’s progress to the Super Bowl.

The 49ers are gearing up for a significant matchup against the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday, aiming to improve their current 3-4 record following their loss to the Chiefs. The team remains hopeful that they will have Samuel back on the field soon to bolster their chances moving forward.

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