Santa Clara, Calif. – San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel’s availability for the upcoming NFC Championship Game is uncertain after sustaining a left shoulder injury during the team’s divisional round win against the Green Bay Packers. Despite the injury, Samuel remained in good spirits, joking with his teammates in the locker room after the game.
This injury to Samuel’s shoulder is not unfamiliar territory for him. In fact, in Week 6 of the season, he injured the same shoulder during a loss to the Cleveland Browns, needing assistance to put on his jacket after the game. However, the scene was much different this time around, as Samuel was able to lift both arms and pull his shirt over his head on his own after the win.
Before being sidelined in the first quarter, Samuel had only two receptions for 24 yards. One of those receptions included a 15-yard gain, where he pushed Kyle Juszczyk to the ground in the process. Samuel admitted that he didn’t even realize Juszczyk was in front of him and laughed about the incident. However, soon after that play, Samuel hobbled off the field as his shoe had partially come off, causing him to walk awkwardly.
Although Samuel was evaluated for a concussion and cleared, his shoulder injury proved to be more serious, forcing him to miss the remainder of the game. If he is unable to play in the NFC Championship Game, the 49ers may turn to Ray-Ray McCloud and Chris Conley to fill his role alongside Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan is expected to provide an update on Samuel’s health during his conference call on Sunday. The outcome of Samuel’s injury will greatly impact the 49ers’ offense as they prepare for the crucial matchup against either the Detroit Lions or Tampa Bay Buccaneers.