Still, Samuel has clearly been the 49ers' most-valuable player this season. On Sunday, he became the first Niners wide receiver to surpass 1,000 receiving yards since Anquan Boldin did so in 2014.
Samuel has also been a crucial part of San Francisco's rushing attack, recording 145 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns over the last two games.
How do you make up for that level of production from one player? The 49ers coach shared his thoughts.
"He's been a big part of our offense," Shanahan said. "But I think we're in a spot right now that we can overcome that. [Brandon] Aiyuk's been stepping it up each week, doing better. You guys see Jauan [Jennings] coming along. I'd love to give Travis Benjamin more opportunities, having his speed out there. And [George] Kittle's getting healthier and better each week. And the running game's been doing well too."
Second-year receiver Jauan Jennings hauled in two receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings. He nearly had a second touchdown in the game but couldn't stay inbounds during the catch.
"Yeah, he's getting his number called more because he got an opportunity when [Mohamed] Sanu got hurt," Shanahan explained. "So, that's [put] him out there a lot more. ... But we believe in Jauan. We've been hoping he would come on and string some more weeks together where he'd stay healthy, and things like that, and get more consistent. And I think that's really been picking up here this last month, and he's definitely taking advantage of his opportunities."
On Sunday, we'll find out if San Francisco has enough weapons to overcome the loss of Samuel and beat the Seahawks, who have won three straight against the 49ers, including an October 3rd matchup this season.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Brandon Allen embraces starting opportunity as 49ers prepare for Packers without Purdy
Brock Purdy will travel with the San Francisco 49ers for their Week 12 game against the Green Bay Packers, but it will be Brandon Allen making his first start for the team—and his first since 2021. RELATED: 49ers rule out Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa for Week 12 clash with... -
49ers' Deebo Samuel shares honest thoughts on frustrating season
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has experienced plenty of highs since being drafted in 2019, including four NFC Championship appearances and two trips to the Super Bowl. He's also endured lows, like the injury-ravaged 2020 season when the team managed just six... -
What Kyle Shanahan, others said after 49ers' 20-17 loss vs. Seahawks
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and several others spoke with reporters after Sunday's 20-17 Week 11 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Here is what they said. Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. 49ers Head Coach Kyle... -
Kyle Shanahan reflects on 49ers' Week 11 loss vs. Seahawks, provides injury updates
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters during a conference call on Monday, the day after the team's 20-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Here's everything he said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Opening...