Deebo Samuel, star wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, suffered a shoulder injury during the team’s Divisional Round playoff win over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. His status for next Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions remains unclear.
Injury Occurred in Second Half Against Packers
Samuel exited Saturday’s game in the second half after taking a helmet directly to his knee. [1] He was later ruled out for the remainder of the Divisional matchup. [2]
Initial tests showed Samuel avoided a fracture, but the 49ers said “everything is on the table” regarding his availability for next weekend. [3] Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Wednesday that Samuel has a 50-50 chance to suit up. [4]
“We know it’s going to be a big challenge,” Shanahan said. “Deebo’s hugely important to us.” [5]
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Fracture | Negative |
| Labrum tear | Unknown |
| Rotator cuff tear | Unknown |
Team doctors are still awaiting results on Samuel’s labrum and rotator cuff. The next update likely won’t come until later in the week. [6]
49ers Could Lean Heavier on McCaffrey, Aiyuk
If Samuel misses Sunday’s NFC title tilt, San Francisco will turn to the rest of its playmakers to fill the void. That group includes receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey. [7]
Kittle called McCaffrey the offense’s “security blanket” and said Deebo’s leadership would remain critical whether the All-Pro wideout plays or not. [8] Jennings also vowed to “hold it down” until Samuel returns. [9]
The 49ers traded for McCaffrey midseason, and the versatile running back led the team in both rushing and receiving over the final six regular-season games. [10] He provides matchup problems for defenses and is comfortable lining up out wide. [11]
Rookie QB Brock Purdy confirmed the game plan doesn’t change dramatically if Samuel sits.
“Guys like … McCaffrey, Kittle, the whole receiver crew can pick up the slack,” Purdy said. [12]
Brandon Aiyuk enjoyed a breakout 2022 season, hauling in 78 catches for 1,015 yards. [13] The third-year pro scored eight total touchdowns and developed into a dangerous weapon both downfield and in the short passing attack. [14]
49ers Still Favored Despite Samuel’s Questionable Status
The 49ers opened as 4-point favorites over the Lions, and the line remained unchanged after Samuel’s injury. [15] FanDuel Sportsbook gave San Francisco -210 odds to advance to the Super Bowl as of Wednesday. [16]
Detroit, playing in its first NFC title game since 1993, likely needs a fully healthy Samuel to pull the road upset. [17]
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| 49ers | -210 |
| Lions | +175 |
Samuel terrorized the Lions for four catches, 43 yards and a touchdown when the teams met during the 2021 regular season. [18] In two career games against Detroit, he has 192 yards on nine receptions and two scores.
The 49ers and Lions kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET next Sunday. The winner punches its ticket to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available on Samuel’s injury. Stay tuned to 49ers Webzone for the latest.
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