49ers Receive Encouraging News on Deebo Samuel's Injury

Kyle Shanahan revealed Wednesday that the 49ers received encouraging news on Deebo Samuel's shoulder injury.

Potentially trending in the right direction.

Kyle Shanahan revealed Wednesday at his press conference that the 49ers received encouraging news on Deebo Samuel's shoulder injury. Samuel is "feeling better" with his pain, but will not be on hand to practice. 

Shanahan still would not dispense with what exactly is wrong with Samuel's shoulder aside from that it "hurts" him. Still, it is still somewhat good news with Samuel, especially since Shanahan says that it makes him "feel better" about it. Samuel suffered the injury early in the divisional playoff game against the Packers. He wouldn't exit the game immediately as he would try to give it one more go. 

WR Deebo Samuel (right shoulder) will not practice today. “He feels better,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. When asked if Samuel’s condition makes him more optimistic for his chances of playing against the Lions, Shanahan answered, “It makes me feel better.”

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) January 24, 2024

Unfortunately, it would be too much for him. It was concerning to see Samuel exit the game. That immediately made his status for the NFC championship game against the Lions questionable. Not to mention that Samuel has dealt with a shoulder injury this year already. It happened back in Week 6 against the Browns. The injury would knock him out of that game as well as the ensuing three games, which ended up being losses for the 49ers.

Being without Samuel for the NFC title game against the Lions would severely sting the 49ers. However, I believe he will tough it out and end up being active for the game. There is no way that a high-level competitor like Samuel will allow himself to miss out on that game. I expect Samuel to miss Thursday's practice and get a limited workload for Friday's walkthrough to get him a bit warmed up.

Practice is a moot point with Samuel at this stage. All that matters is how he heals. Each and every day this week will provide a critical update on how Samuel is progressing.