Deebo Samuel returning to 49ers following Ricky Pearsall’s setback

Key Points:

• The San Francisco 49ers signed Deebo Samuel to a one-year deal worth up to $7 million to address shortages at wide receiver and running back, with Samuel expected to play his familiar Z receiver position.
• Samuel's return comes amid injuries to key receivers Ricky Pearsall, who has a recurring knee injury possibly requiring surgery, and Christian Kirk, who injured his calf; running back Jordan James also has a rib fracture.
• Samuel, a longtime favorite of coach Kyle Shanahan and well-liked by teammates, spent last season with the Washington Commanders and led their receiving stats despite the team's challenges.
• The signings of Samuel and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, both former 49ers and members of past NFC Championship teams, bring a "the gang’s back together" feel to the upcoming season but also highlight the aging core of the roster.
• With Pearsall and Kirk sidelined, the 49ers have relied on Mike Evans, rookie De’Zhaun Stribling, Demarcus Robinson, Jacob Cowing, and Jordan Watkins as top wide receivers in practice.