Deebo Samuel update: 49ers WR exits to locker room ahead of halftime vs. Chiefs

Samuel, 28, came down with an illness during pregame drills, but decided to give it a go. Early in the game, he was seen on the sideline wearing an oxygen mask and consulting with a doctor. The 49ers are already without Jauan Jennings (hip) and Brandon Aiyuk has since suffered a right leg injury.

Samuel came into Sunday’s game San Francisco’s third leading receiver, having hauled in 20 receptions for 335 yards and one touchdown.

49ers without Deebo Samuel, key pass catchers in 2nd half vs. Chiefs

Suddenly, San Francisco is depleted on offense. With their top three receivers out of the game, the 49ers will rely on George Kittle, Jacob Cowing and Ricky Pearsall in the passing game in the second half against Kansas City. The latter is making his NFL debut after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest on Aug. 31.

“The guys are pumped. He’s been around the guys for a while now, so it’s not like he hasn’t been around, but practicing all week,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday of Pearsall. “It’s been great to see him out there. I think the guys were real happy for him that he could get back and be a part of it. He’s had a hell of a week, and we’re just pumped to get him out there with us.”