Kyle Shanahan offers update on Deebo Samuel

Sep 26, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers are hoping Deebo Samuel can play through a shoulder injury in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, but the star wide receiver will not be putting in a full week of practice.

Samuel did not practice with the 49ers on Wednesday. He was the only player missing for San Francisco. Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that Samuel is “feeling better” but that his “shoulder hurts.” Shanahan said Samuel’s status for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions remains up in the air.

“Shoulder hurts.”

Kyle Shanahan on Deebo Samuel’s injury. Samuel will be the only 49ers player that won’t practice today.

Shanahan said Deebo is “feeling better” today which makes him “feel better” about Samuel possibly being able to play Sunday. pic.twitter.com/SPFPdYl4fZ

— KNBR (@KNBR) January 24, 2024

Samuel hurt his left shoulder early in the first half of San Francisco’s win over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. He injured the same shoulder earlier in the season and missed two games due to a hairline fracture, but all tests came back negative this time.

In what could be a potential shootout against Detroit, the 49ers would be much better off if Samuel is on the field. The speedy wide receiver is a huge part of San Francisco’s offense. He caught 60 passes for 892 yards and 7 touchdowns during the regular season. He also had 225 yards rushing and 5 scores on the ground.