In addition, the 49ers might be without tight end George Kittle, who is nursing a hamstring injury, and cornerback Charvarius Ward, who is dealing with hamstring and knee issues. Neither practiced on Thursday.
While no one would claim that these early injury setbacks are good news, one veteran 49ers player sees a silver lining.
"It's just next man up," tackle Trent Williams told reporters on Thursday. "It sucks. Those guys are the best in the world, but who really feels sorry for us? So it's a next-man-up league. It's a couple guys that we want to see get more action anyway. Hated it had to come on the heels of somebody being injured, but this is when opportunities present themselves."
Williams noted that McCaffrey's absence has opened the door for Jordan Mason, who has rushed for at least 100 yards in each of his two starts this season. Mason's 247 rushing yards currently rank second in the NFL.
"Nobody would have known Brock [Purdy] if we didn't lose [two] quarterbacks in one year," Williams added. "So, it's a blessing in disguise, and guys just gotta be ready to step up and relish in the moment."
With Samuel sidelined, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings will have the chance to step up. Tight end Eric Saubert, the only other 49ers tight end besides Kittle to catch a pass from Purdy this season, has two receptions for 26 yards.
The 49ers and Rams will face off on Sunday at 1:25 p.m. PT at Levi's Stadium.
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