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What happens when Deebo Samuel comes off IR?

The 49ers are on track to get one of their offensive weapons back leading up to Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is eligible to come off Injured Reserve after landing there prior to Week 1. It won’t just be as easy as putting Samuel back on the roster though.

The NFL’s COVID-19 protocols allow clubs to place an unlimited number of players on short-term IR. Players are required to stay there for a minimum of three weeks. They don’t count against the 53-man roster while they’re on IR.

Samuel suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot during a workout in the offseason. He tried returning for Week 1, but had a setback and landed on IR. His roster spot remained vacant for a time, but the club eventually signed wide receiver Mohamed Sanu and made center Horniss Grasu a member of the 53-man off the practice squad.

If everyone was healthy, the 49ers would be forced to cut a player as a corresponding move to make room on the roster. Other injuries will allow them to avoid making any in-season cuts.

Tight end Jordan Reed sustained a knee sprain against the Giants and will go on short-term IR. Linebacker Mark Nzeocha is also headed there after suffering a quad injury in Week 3 vs. the Giants. That opens two roster spots, one of which will be occupied by Samuel.

Don’t expect the club to quickly fill the 53rd spot left open by Nzeocha though. Richard Sherman is due to come off IR after Week 4 and will need a vacant roster spot. Given how the 49ers’ injury situation has gone this year, they may not need to make any cuts when players come off IR.

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