The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly received positive news following a series of tests on Deebo Samuel after the wide receiver suffered a shoulder injury in Saturday night's game against the Green Bay Packers. According to NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport, the X-rays yielded negative results.
"My understanding is there was no fracture in the shoulder of Deebo Samuel, which is good news," Rapoport stated on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" show. "It was actually the same shoulder as he injured last time."
Samuel had previously sustained a hairline fracture in his shoulder during Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, leading to his absence for most of that game and the subsequent two contests. San Francisco struggled without their star receiver, going 0-3 during that stretch.
"All the tests this time, they believe no fracture," Rapoport continued. "That is good. As far as the actual status going forward, that still remains up in the air. Kyle Shanahan is going to talk to reporters earlier today, likely to get some clarity.
"The belief is this is not a major injury. Samuel got to work on rehab right after it happened and has been telling people he thinks that he will be okay. But more information as it comes today."
From @GMFB: There continues to be guarded optimism for #49ers WR Deebo Samuel, with negative X-Rays; Plus, #Eagles coach Nick Sirianni made moves on the defensive side of the ball. pic.twitter.com/OeXQrgItRS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 22, 2024
Head coach Kyle Shanahan is scheduled to address reporters via a conference call this afternoon.
Samuel left Saturday's playoff game against the Packers during the 49ers' first offensive drive and underwent an initial evaluation for a head injury. However, he was cleared to return. Unfortunately, his return was short-lived as the receiver headed to the locker room for an assessment of a shoulder injury. Samuel was ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the game.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the 49ers consider Samuel's availability for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions as "50-50."
49ers consider it "50-50" as to whether wide receiver Deebo Samuel will be able to play in Sunday night's NFC championship game vs. the Lions due to the shoulder injury he suffered vs. the Packers, per source. pic.twitter.com/25N9aDXvxd
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2024
This past weekend, NFL Network's Michael Irvin reported that he spoke to Samuel after the game and provided a minor update on the star receiver's condition.
"He said this time around he does feel better," Irvin said. "Last time he got hurt, he couldn't lift his arm. He said this time he could, so that gives him hope that he'll be good for next week."