The addition of Samuel was needed due to injuries at the position. Per The Athletic’s Matt Barrows, 49ers receiver Ricky Pearsall currently has knee swelling and receiver Christian Kirk injured his calf in the 49ers’ first practice.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the San Francisco 49ers didn't sign Deebo Samuel just because of Ricky Pearsall's injury.

Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton sits down with Chief National Reporter Steve Wyche to discuss new head coach Jesse Minter. Running back Derrick Henry talks to Chief National Reporter Steve Wyche following the Baltimore Ravens first padded practice of training camp.

On "49ers Now," Bonta Hill, Matt Maiocco and Rod Brooks discuss Deebo Samuel's return to San Francisco from training camp in Santa Clara.49ers Now: Breaking down Deebo Samuel's projected role for 2026

Jordan Addison, Deebo Samuel Sr. and Malik Washington are late-round wide receivers, who offer Fantasy viability.

4. Samuel’s return might be, ostensibly, about the absence of Pearsall, but he also bolsters the Niners in the absence of running back Jordan James, too. Kaelon Black looks strong as the No. 2 back behind Christian McCaffrey, but you need more than one viable backup behind No. 23. The wideback is back.

Follow along with the latest NFL news and updates from training camps around the league.

Deebo Samuel wore No. 19 throughout the most successful years of his first stint with the 49ers, making it his signature jersey in San Francisco.