San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is navigating a challenging game plan for the upcoming NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions, especially with uncertainties surrounding Deebo Samuel's shoulder injury.
After Saturday's playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers, Shanahan discussed the first play of the second half, which unexpectedly featured a run play for wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who stepped into Samuel's role after the star wide receiver exited the game.
RELATED No fracture for Deebo Samuel but NFCCG status remains unclear
"Those are some of the challenges when something goes down and you call a wristband number," Shanahan admitted. "I forgot to tell him to not read 'Hessi,' but sometimes we just Ron Burgundy (read without thinking) our wristbands. Then you look up, and Jauan's in the backfield, and you can't stop it."
Tests didn't reveal a fracture in Samuel's shoulder, but there remains significant discomfort, making his status for this weekend's game unclear.
"So we've just got to be patient, see how he feels on Wednesday, and based off of if it's improving, it'll give us a better idea whether he has a chance for the game or not," Shanahan told reporters via a conference call on Monday.
When asked about the specifics of the game plan for Sunday, Shanahan acknowledged the challenge of preparing for the Lions with uncertainty surrounding Samuel's availability.
"If we know he's not available, which I think, hopefully, we would know that by Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or at least in those three days, then it makes it easier, at least from a game-plan standpoint, you don't have to do much," Shanahan said.
"But if there's any chance, which I think we'll have a better idea by Wednesday, obviously there'll be things in there for him."
Jennings wasn't the only receiver who saw increased opportunities against the Packers due to Samuel's injury. Veteran Chris Conley hauled in a crucial 17-yard catch during the 49ers' game-winning touchdown drive.
CHRIS CONLEY! @ConmanXP
📺: #GBvsSF on FOX#GoDawgs | #DawgsInTheNFL pic.twitter.com/tsFxX9iAca
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) January 21, 2024
How much confidence does Shanahan have in players like Conley, who can rise to the occasion in crucial moments, such as those witnessed during Saturday's game?
"A ton," Shanahan responded. "That's why guys like him and Willie Snead are here. It comes up. You never know when. It came up last year for us, too. Those guys had to step in. I mean, Willie [was] huge.
"Then having both of them this year, and they've both done it in different games throughout the year for us, whether special teams or offense. That was a big-time play that Chris made in that game."
