San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel has been battling a groin injury and has been questionable throughout the week for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Will he be available in Week 14? What is the latest on Samuel’s injury status, and how has he performed so far in 2021?
Is Deebo Samuel playing today vs. the Bengals?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in the early hours this morning [December 12] that Samuel will be active and play today vs. the Bengals in Week 14.
Samuel has been out since he picked up the injury in the second half of the Vikings game in Week 12. But he returned to a light practice on Friday and is good to go for today’s game.
Samuel did not play in Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks, as the Niners dropped a division game 30-23 without him. His return will be a huge boost for the offense, which involves him in a host of dynamic ways.
Elijah Mitchell is out, and the concerns at running back continue. As a result, Samuel will likely contribute out of the backfield today as well as in the passing game.
How has Samuel performed so far this season?
Samuel is having a tremendous year. He already has over 1,000 yards receiving, including games of 189 vs. Detroit in Week 1, 156 against the Seahawks, and 171 against Chicago.
With George Kittle missing a few weeks in the middle of the season, San Francisco looked for Samuel to pick up the slack, and he did just that.
While running back concerns have been an issue for the 49ers in recent weeks, Samuel has seen his rushing attempts out of the backfield increase. Through the first nine weeks of the season, Samuel only had 6 rushes. In his last three games, however, he’s had 19. He’s pivotal to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and when he’s on the field, defenses need to account for him at all times.
Samuel is one of those talents where the game plan is to just get the ball in his hands and let him work. The 49ers will be delighted to get him back. Currently sitting with a 6-6 record and third in the NFC West, they are approaching a run of games needing positive results to solidify themselves within the NFL playoff picture.