The San Francisco 49ers have closed their regular season with a phenomenal 12-5 record. Their remarkable journey includes securing a spot in the NFC Championship Game for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
Now, the 49ers prepare to face the Detroit Lions while enjoying an extra day of preparation due to their Saturday evening showdown with the Packers. Despite a relatively manageable injury report, the prospect of Deebo Samuel’s return remains a hot topic among fans.
49ers confirm Deebo Samuel avoided fractured shoulder
During Monday’s conference call, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan delivered reassuring news to fans and the organization regarding Deebo Samuel’s shoulder injury. Contrary to initial concerns, the WR managed to avoid a fractured shoulder after the intense divisional round clash against the Green Bay Packers last Saturday.
“It wasn’t broken, so that was a really good sign. It’s still hurting too much”, Shanahan said.
Shanahan’s reassurance came as a beacon of hope after Deebo Samuel faced a double blow in the first half of Saturday night’s game. A forceful hit to his helmet by the Packers’ Jaire Alexander raised immediate concerns about a potential head injury. The team initially labeled his return as “questionable,” but to the surprise and relief of many, he managed to make a brief comeback.
However, fate dealt another blow as trainers attended to the receiver’s shoulder on the sidelines. The severity of the shoulder injury ultimately forced him out of the remainder of the game.
This setback wasn’t the veteran first encounter with shoulder troubles this season. In Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, he suffered a shoulder injury. The setback hampered his participation in subsequent practices and led to missed games against the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals.
Is Deebo Samuel going to play in the NFC title game vs the Lions?
Ahead of the 49ers’ NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions, the burning question on fans’ minds is whether Deebo Samuel will be in action. While the team isn’t making a definitive commitment, there are positive signs pointing towards his potential participation.
The 49ers’ Wednesday practice holds the key to the footballer’s potential involvement. Shanahan said assessing his condition midweek would provide valuable insights into the likelihood of him donning the 49ers’ jersey on Sunday.
“We have to be patient, see how he feels on Wednesday and based on his improvement it will give us a better idea whether he has a chance for the game or not.”
Deebo Samuel isn’t just another player on the roster, but he is the linchpin of the 49ers’ offensive dynamism. The stark contrast in the team’s performance with and without him is a proof of his indispensable role. During the WR’s presence, the 49ers boasted an impressive 12-3 record. However, in his absence, they struggled to a 0-2 record.
The receiver’s stat sheet reads like a highlight reel, as it perfectly showcases his versatility and game-changing abilities. With 60 catches for 892 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions, he is proven to be a reliable target for Brock Purdy. However, his impact extends beyond traditional receiving statistics. The footballer added an electrifying dimension to the offense with 225 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
