Deebo Samuel had sounded notes of optimism he could play for the San Francisco 49ers against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday despite suffering a shoulder injury last Sunday.

But instead of preparing to play in primetime, Samuel faces at least two weeks on the sideline after it was revealed he has a hairline fracture in his shoulder.

The news means Samuel will not only miss the Vikings game, but at least a tricky Week 8 contest with the Cincinnati Bengals. Samuel has missed at least one game in every NFL season since being drafted in the second round in 2019.

San Francisco then has a bye, and the Niners will hope that additional week of rest will allow Samuel to be ready for their Week 10 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"Deebo will be out," said head coach Kyle Shanahan. "Deebo's changed, took X-rays and MRIs earlier in the week, didn't have anything, pain was still there so we got the CT [scan] the other day and found a hairline fracture so he'll be out this game, next game, and we'll see after the bye week."

Samuel has 20 receptions for 302 yards and one touchdown this season. He also has 95 yards and additional score on the ground.

While Samuel was ruled out of the Minnesota game, All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams was listed as doubtful having battled through an ankle injury against the Cleveland Browns. Jaylon Moore will likely step up in his expected absence.

Better news concerned Christian McCaffrey, who returned to practice on Saturday following an oblique injury that forced him out of the second half of the loss to the Browns. He is listed as questionable to face the Vikings.

Without Samuel, though, the 49ers do lose one of the most versatile elements of their offense, and that makes both the trip to Minnesota and a stern test against the Bengals more difficult as the Niners look to remain at the top of the NFC before their bye.

Christian McCaffrey makes return to 49ers practice

He’s on track to play in Week 7.