Deebo Samuel Workout Video Raises Return Hopes Before Raiders Game

Deebo Samuel posted a video Tuesday of himself working out at the 49ers' practice facility in Santa Clara, a sign he could return to the field as soon as Sunday's game against the Raiders, according to the New York Post.

What Happened to Deebo Samuel's Hamstring

Samuel, 30, has been sidelined since injuring his hamstring during San Francisco's Week 5 game against the Seahawks, the Post reported. Before the injury, he was producing one of his best stretches since returning to the 49ers, logging 16 receptions for 206 yards and three touchdowns, plus nine carries for 78 yards, per the outlet.

Why Is the Workout Video Significant Now

The 49ers had Tuesday off, and Samuel's decision to post facility footage on that off day is the clearest public signal yet that his hamstring has progressed enough to attempt football work. The Post noted that if Samuel returns this week, a decision on his status will likely come later in the week, ahead of San Francisco's 1:25 p.m. Sunday kickoff against the Raiders at Levi's Stadium.

Who Else Is Out at Receiver for San Francisco

Samuel's potential return would arrive at a moment of need. The 49ers could be without Mike Evans for a second straight week because of an Achilles injury, the Post reported. Rookie De'Zhaun Stribling has been out since the season opener against the Rams, and the team is also missing Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk, according to the outlet. That leaves San Francisco's receiver room thin heading into a divisional-style road test against a Raiders team that plays in the same metro area.

How Has Samuel's 49ers Tenure Evolved

Samuel spent his first six seasons in San Francisco, highlighted by a 1,405-yard receiving season in 2021, per the Post. After the 49ers finished 2024 at 6-11, the team traded him to the Commanders, where he posted 727 yards and five touchdowns, the outlet reported. He returned to San Francisco this offseason and was in the midst of what the Post described as a renaissance year before the hamstring injury.

The Numbers Behind Samuel's Season

• 16 receptions, 206 yards, 3 touchdowns before the Week 5 injury, per the Post
• 9 carries for 78 yards as a rushing threat in the same span
• 1,405 receiving yards in his 2021 peak season with San Francisco
• 727 yards, 5 touchdowns in his lone season with Washington

What to Watch Before Sunday

• Whether Samuel practices in a limited or full capacity later this week, which would firm up his status for the Raiders game
• Mike Evans' Achilles designation and whether he's listed as questionable, doubtful, or out
• Any roster moves involving Stribling, Pearsall, or Kirk that could further reshape the receiver depth chart
• San Francisco's offensive game plan against Las Vegas if Samuel is active in his hybrid running back/receiver role

Kickoff between the 49ers and Raiders is set for 1:25 p.m. ET Sunday at Levi's Stadium, per the Post.

For a Bay Area-baked gift, Stirred, Not Shaken ships in the U.S.