The San Francisco 49ers have three games remaining before their first playoff game. They have already clinched the NFC West. While the No. 2 seed could still be in play, head coach Kyle Shanahan wants to be strategic and careful with his banged-up players, ensuring that his team is as healthy as can be come postseason action.
The 49ers expected wide receiver Deebo Samuel to get back onto the football field before the end of the regular season. He suffered MCL and ankle sprains during Week 14's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Depending on what happens over these next three games, San Francisco might opt to rest its star receiver until the playoffs.
Of course, if the situation were different and the 49ers were still fighting for a playoff spot, there might be more urgency to get Samuel back on the football field.
"I think this week, there would be a chance if we were that desperate," Shanahan admitted before Tuesday's practice. "But I'm not even looking into it this week, and we'll see how he is next Monday and make that decision."
The 49ers initially anticipated getting Samuel back for its New Year's Day matchup against the Raiders in Las Vegas. Now, there may not be a rush to do so. San Francisco is red-hot, even without the playmaking receiver. The team has won seven consecutive games, earning its last three victories with a rookie quarterback, Brock Purdy, at the helm of the offense.
A win over the Washington Commanders this weekend might go a long way toward earning Samuel some additional time off.
Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
49ers grant Deebo Samuel permission to seek a trade; 'I have to do what's best,' says Deebo
By David Bonilla
Feb 9
The San Francisco 49ers have granted wide receiver Deebo Samuel and his agent permission to seek a trade, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Samuel reportedly requested a trade during his exit meetings with the team after the season.
"It was a hard conversation to have with...
Would the 49ers accept one of these trade proposals for Deebo Samuel?
By David Bonilla
Feb 12
Deebo Samuel appears ready to move on from the San Francisco 49ers. The wide receiver has requested a trade, and the 49ers have granted him permission to seek one. Unlike his 2022 trade request—when Samuel was fresh off a breakout season with 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14...
Schefter: All AFC North teams make sense as Deebo Samuel trade partners for 49ers
By David Bonilla
Feb 12
On Sunday morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news that the San Francisco 49ers have permitted wide receiver Deebo Samuel to seek a trade. Any deal would face significant financial hurdles. If the 49ers trade Samuel before June 1, they would incur a dead-cap hit twice the...
Former NFL player: 49ers could be better off without Deebo Samuel
By David Bonilla
Feb 12
Deebo Samuel has been a dynamic weapon in Kyle Shanahan's offense, offering versatility as both a receiver and a ball carrier. In 2021, he showcased his abilities by posting 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns.
However, since that standout season, Samuel has...
