Deebo Samuel Sr. has had many struggles this season. He is not playing to his usual standard, and the team is 6-7 on the season.
Since the San Francisco 49ers are in danger of missing the playoffs, Samuel has faced a lot of criticism. The 28-year-old wideout recently tried to defend himself on social media, but it resulted in him facing more backlash from the fans.
Kyle Shanahan Reacts to Deebo Samuel Sr.’s Comments
In what is now a deleted post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Samuel wrote, “Not struggling at all, just not getting the ball!” seemingly blaming the team for his lack of production this year.
Kyle Shanahan was recently asked about the star receiver’s comments, and the 49ers head coach defended his player.
“Deebo and I talk every day, so I understand Deebo saying that,” Shanahan said per NBC’s Pro Football Talk. “Deebo wants to help us out, and the only way he helps us out is getting the ball more, and we’d like to get it to him more. We’ll continue to work at that.”
Yikes: #49ers WR Deebo Samuel got hit with the Community Notes on the “X” app after tweeting that he isn’t struggling this season. pic.twitter.com/djB0FtouaG
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 10, 2024
Shanahan mentioned that Samuel’s comments are not a distraction to the team and he has been in constant communication with the six-year NFL veteran.
Samuel has 40 receptions for 553 yards and just one touchdown in 12 games this season. He is averaging career lows in rushing yards per game, receptions, and receiving yards per game. However, this cannot all be attributed to him not getting the ball.
The South Carolina product currently leads all the receivers on the team with the most touches, and only running back Jordan Mason has got the ball more times than him this year. He has also missed only one game this campaign and has played 71% of his team’s total snaps on offense.
Samuel was at his best when he was used extensively in running and passing games. With Christian McCaffrey and Mason out injured, Shanahan will likely use Samuel in designed runs, which could help increase the player’s confidence.
Samuel Has a Chance To Make a Statement Against the Rams
The 49ers recently snapped their three-game losing streak with their 38-13 win against the Chicago Bears in Week 14. In a game where the losing team’s playoff aspirations will take a massive setback, they will face the Los Angeles Rams this upcoming Thursday.
In his career, Samuel is 8-1 in the regular season against the Rams. In those nine games, he has 47 catches for 639 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 71.0 yards per game and 13.6 yards per reception. He has also rushed for 155 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 6.0 yards per carry.
The Rams have the fifth-worst run defense in the league, allowing an average of 141.0 rushing yards per game. Shanahan will prioritize running the ball, which will further open up the field for playmakers like George Kittle and Jauan Jennings, both of whom have had great seasons.
Samuel did not play in Week 3 when the Rams came away with a 27-24 win against the 49ers. But on Thursday night, he has a chance to make a statement against one of the 49ers’ biggest rivals, and it will be a befitting reply to all the fans who have criticized him throughout the season.