Deebo Samuel took to social media last week to defend himself against critics and those suggesting the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver has struggled this season, blaming a lack of opportunities. Unfortunately, his performance in the following game didn't help his case, as he managed only three catches for 16 yards and dropped a potential game-changing pass.
After the game, Samuel took full responsibility for the costly drop.
"Very, very frustrating," Samuel admitted. "At the end of the day, if I catch that ball, there's nothing there but end zone. I've just got to catch that route."
Samuel is on pace to record his lowest receiving yardage total since the injury-plagued 2020 season. With just two touchdowns this year (one receiving, one rushing), the wideout faces increased scrutiny as he approaches the final year of his contract in 2025.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters on Wednesday and was asked about his veteran receiver's performance. Has Samuel slowed down this season?
"I don't think Deebo's slowed down," Shanahan replied, defending Samuel. "I think he got banged up earlier in the year. I thought he had an awesome training camp to where I'd say he didn't slow down at all. We were real excited going into the year.
"I want to say it was Week 2, he got hurt in. I think Week 2 versus Minnesota, he had over 100 yards, and then we didn't get him versus the Rams. I don't know if he missed two games or one (it was one), but it set him back for a few weeks.
"And then, when he came back, he had the pneumonia, he had a rib thing. And I think that set him off for like a month where he couldn't practice as much. When you build up a bunch in camp, and then you miss a lot of time in practice, it is hard to maintain that stuff."
The coach suggested that Samuel's performance issues are more a symptom of the offense's overall struggles this season, including its inability to create favorable opportunities for the wideout.
Shanahan added, "But by no means do I think he's lost it or anything."