It's no secret that the best version of the San Francisco 49ers The last few seasons have typically featured the best version of sixth-year wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Injuries and illnesses have contributed to Samuel not looking like the superstar receiver the 49ers Faithful knows he is.
Samuel struggled with a calf injury in Weeks 3 and 4. Then it was a wrist injury combined with pneumonia symptoms that landed Samuel in the hospital before Week 8. Samuel suffered an oblique injury Airborne status against Tampa Bay also in week 10.
After catching just one pass for 21 yards on four scores during the 49ers' 38-10 loss Green Bay Packers On Sunday, reporters asked San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan whether or not Samuel had the push he needed to deliver his typical production.
“I think he has the breakthrough he needs. He didn't get many opportunities last night. He had a pretty good kick return that I thought changed the tremendous momentum of the game. Unfortunately it was called back with this call on hold.
“I thought he had a good screen. And then he has to make two plays, he has to catch both balls, and if he catches both balls, then he has a chance to do what he's good at and run with it. And he didn't get that opportunity because he didn't catch both balls. So if he does, that would be two more options,” Shanahan said.
Shanahan also emphasized that it wasn't just Samuel who was struggling San Francisco's worst loss ever to the Packers.
“And as far as anyone’s concerned, we didn’t get anyone going in this game. We weren't consistent and didn't do much in the first and second half because the ball losses and everything else just destroyed our motivation. I think we had about 50 plays total, but we really weren't able to stay out there consistently enough to get a guy going,” Shanahan said.
In addition to protecting the football and extending drives, a good health certificate Because starting quarterback Brock Purdy's right shoulder could help quickly turn around San Francisco's fortunes.
However, boosting Samuel's performance as the season progresses will also be paramount to the 49ers' playoff hopes.
So far in 2024, Samuel has recorded 34 grabs for 511 receiving yards with one touchdown reception. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound receiver also has 27 carries for 79 rushing yards, while also scoring one point on the ground.
San Francisco (5-6) is currently in the midst of a two-game losing streak and returns to action on Sunday, December 1st at Buffalo (9-2). Kickoff is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. PT at Highmark Stadium and the game will air on NBC.
