San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (19) at press conference after the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game against the Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
No Brandon Aiyuk, no problem for the San Francisco 49ers as they witnessed an incredible team performance from Deebo Samuel Sr. in their 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Australia on Thursday.
Samuel represented the 49ers from 2019 to 2024, initially leaving for the Washington Commanders. Following one season with them, the star receiver decided to have a reunion with San Francisco, bolstering their receiving corps once again.
As for Aiyuk, injuries and personal absences have resulted in the receiver being off the team since the start of last season. He recently posted on his IG story a long message, which included, “I will not be reinstating with them nor ever doing any kind of business with them.”
This paves the way for Samuel to have a key role in the receiving attack while playing alongside Mike Evans.
Samuel excelled in the season opener against Los Angeles. He caught six passes from Brock Purdy for 49 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown highlight took place early in the fourth quarter, catching a 15-yard pass from Purdy.
How Deebo Samuel, 49ers played against Rams
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Deebo Samuel and the 49ers were expecting a tough test, taking on a Rams squad that garnered conversations of Super Bowl contention. Following this game, it seems that San Francisco has a strong case to make as well.
Los Angeles took a 7-3 lead in the second quarter after Kyren Williams scored the first touchdown of the game. It was all San Francisco from there on, scoring 24 unanswered points to coast to victory in the Land Down Under.
Despite a slow start, Brock Purdy had a great performance leading the offense. He completed 25 out of 34 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns and one interception. Christian McCaffrey and Kaelon Black combined for 133 rushing yards, while Evans, Demarcus Robinson and Samuel caught touchdown passes in the receiving game.
The 49ers will look forward to their next matchup, returning home from Australia. They host the Miami Dolphins as kickoff commences on Sept. 20 at 4:25 p.m. ET.