Deebo Samuel News

Samuel's production fell off quickly in this contest after starter Brock Purdy injured his throwing elbow in the first quarter. With no threat of a passing game in the second half, Philadelphia's defense was able to sell out and blow up the dual-threat superstar in the backfield routinely, resulting in his worst rushing performance to date. Samuel finishes the year with 864 yards from scrimmage and five total touchdowns across 13 regular season games. The 27-year-old's overall numbers came back down to Earth following his standout 2021 season, most notably his 11.3 yards per catch which marked a new low for his career. Samuel will hope for better health for both himself and whoever starts under center for the 49ers in 2023.

The 49ers capped Samuel's reps both Wednesday and Thursday due to an ankle issue, but it won't stop him from being available to the offense this weekend. The team's top running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) also was cleared ahead of Sunday's contest, while fellow running back Elijah Mitchell (groin) is questionable after getting in some minimal work Friday. If Mitchell is limited or out Sunday, Samuel could mix into the backfield a bit more than usual, but he still should be good for his recent workload, which has resulted in 10 catches and seven carries in San Francisco's two playoff victories to date.

Shanahan said prior to Wednesday's session that Samuel and running backs Christian McCaffrey (calf) and Elijah Mitchell (groin) wouldn't take part in drills. Samuel eventually did so and was listed as limited, which he'll maintain one day later, while both McCaffrey and Mitchell will remain sidelined. There's an expectation that all three players will be available for Sunday's NFC Championship Game at Philadelphia, but Samuel could be poised for a bit more work out of the 49ers backfield if McCaffrey and/or Mitchell are at all inhibited.

Coach Kyle Shanahan relayed to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com earlier Wednesday that the 49ers' primary backfield options Christian McCaffrey (calf), Elijah Mitchell (groin) and Samuel wouldn't mix into drills to kick off prep for Sunday's NFC Championship Game at Philadelphia. While McCaffrey and Mitchell weren't seen during the open portion of Wednesday's session, Samuel was present and took part in some individual work, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic. There's a chance Samuel maintains practice limitations Thursday and Friday as a precautionary measure, but his ankle issue doesn't appear as if it'll impact his availability this weekend.

Samuel played 60 of the 49ers' 66 offensive snaps during the divisional-round win over Dallas, but he failed to make any splash plays as the offense was stymied by the Cowboys' athletic defense. It appears the star wideout also picked up an ankle injury during the contest, but despite his absence Wednesday, Samuel is still expected to be available for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Eagles, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Samuel will have two more chances to practice before San Francisco needs to make a decision on his status for the upcoming playoff matchup.

Samuel was unable to reproduce the gaudy totals from his impressive wild-card performance as San Francisco's offense was finally stymied with Brock Purdy under center. The dual-threat wideout still led all receivers in touches and targets, he just wasn't able to break off one of his signature big-splash plays. Samuel and the 49ers will head to Philadelphia for the NFC Championship Game next Sunday.