The San Francisco 49ers should be laser-focused on their crucial Thursday night matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Instead, head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy are fielding questions about how the team distributes touches among their offensive weapons.
This comes after star wide receiver Deebo Samuel took to social media on Monday to express frustration about his role.
“Not struggling at all, just not getting the ball,” Samuel wrote in a now-deleted post.
Samuel’s remarks followed Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bears, where he managed just seven touches for 35 yards.
On Tuesday, Samuel addressed the situation further with the media. “You read what you read. A little frustrated for sure,” he admitted. He also revealed that he and Shanahan regularly discuss his usage, a detail previously unknown to the public.
With their Thursday Night Football showdown against the Rams looming, the 49ers had to confront questions about Samuel’s comments and their potential impact.
Shanahan and Purdy Respond
When asked if Samuel had communicated his frustration directly, Shanahan responded, “Deebo and I talk every day. I mean, I understand Deebo saying that. 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.”
Interestingly, Samuel is already one of the most targeted players on the team. His 72 touches this season rank second only to running back Jordan Mason, who is currently on Injured Reserve.
Shanahan downplayed any potential distraction caused by the post. “We’d always love things to stay in-house. Is it a distraction in our building? No. It’s the first time I talked about [Samuel’s touches]. Deebo and I see each other every day and talk about stuff every day.” Shanahan labeled the issue as “water under the bridge,” signaling his intent to move forward.
Quarterback Brock Purdy echoed Samuel’s sentiment
“He’s right. There are moments throughout seasons where guys just don’t get the ball. I want to get Deebo the ball and have him break all the records. I want to have Deebo do Deebo things. I’m going to do everything I can to get him the ball,” Purdy said.
Kittle Predicts a Breakout
Tight end George Kittle took a more optimistic view of Samuel’s situation, expressing confidence in his teammate’s ability to rebound in a big way.
“Deebo’s very close to breaking it wide open,” Kittle said. “I’m very excited for him this Thursday because I think he’s going to have one of those amazing Deebo Thursday Night games.”
In five career Thursday Night Football appearances, Samuel has tallied 29 catches, 509 yards, and three touchdowns—numbers the 49ers would happily welcome against the Rams this week.
“Deebo’s very close to breaking it wide open. I’m very excited for him this Thursday because I think he’s going to have one of those amazing Deebo Thursday Night games,” Kittle reiterated in comments captured by KNBR.
The 49ers hope Samuel can channel his frustration into a game-changing performance, as they prepare for this critical divisional matchup.
