The least productive four-game stretch of Deebo Samuel’s career caused the frustrated wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers to turn to social media.
In a post on X, previously known as Twitter, which has since been deleted, Samuel tried to explain why he had only gained 97 yards from scrimmage over the past four games, with the big plays that made him an All-Pro in 2021 no longer happening.
“Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!” he wrote on Monday.
Samuel deleted the post later, but not before it sparked a lot of attention on social media. When asked on Tuesday if he wanted to elaborate on what he wrote, Samuel simply said, “You read what you read. A little frustrated, for sure.”
Coach Kyle Shanahan commented on Tuesday, saying that he would have preferred if Samuel had kept his frustrations off social media. However, he also mentioned that it was not a distraction to the players and coaches as the Niners prepare for their Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Shanahan added that he and Samuel often talk about his role, and making sure Samuel gets more touches is always a priority for the team.
“I mean I understand Deebo saying that,” Shanahan said. “Deebo wants to help us out and the only way he helps us out is getting the ball more and we’d like to get it to him more. We’ll continue to work at that.”
Deebo Samuel catches the ball in the NFL camp
Samuel had an outstanding season in 2021, starting with a game against the Rams where he caught five passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. He also ran the ball five times for 36 yards and another score.
Samuel helped the Niners reach the NFC title game that year in his new role as a “wide back,” splitting time between wide receiver and running back. He ended that season with 1,770 yards and 14 touchdowns from scrimmage, which led to a big contract extension that offseason.
Since then, Samuel hasn’t been able to match that performance over the last two seasons. This year, at 28 years old, he says the element of surprise is no longer there.
“We’ve been doing it almost three years now … they know what’s going on,” he said.
He is averaging just 2.9 yards on his 32 carries as teams are now more prepared for when he runs the ball. He’s also on track for his worst season in terms of catches and receiving yards per game, with 40 receptions for 553 yards. He hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 6.
Quarterback Brock Purdy, who considers Samuel one of his best friends on the team, said that Samuel just needs more chances. Purdy mentioned that defenses have been limiting some of the opportunities for Samuel to perform.
“I want to get Deebo the ball every play if I could,” Purdy said. “I want to have him break all the records as best as possible. I want Deebo to do Deebo things. We all do in this building. It’s just how the games have gone. I love my guy and I’m going to do whatever I can to get him the ball.”