The San Francisco 49ers‘ 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears didn’t cure all ills in the 49ers locker room. San Francisco wide receiver Deebo Samuel took issue with his lack of targets.
“Not struggling at all just not getting the ball,” Samuel initially posted before deleting on X.
Samuel was limited to two receptions for 22 yards on three targets in the 49ers’ win on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium. Despite San Francisco being down Brandon Aiyuk and several other receivers because of injuries in 2024, Samuel has not had a game with more than seven targets since Week 2, when he caught eight passes for 110 yards in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Samuel had a total of 16 targets in the 49ers three-game losing streak before Week 14.
Kyle Shanahan tried to downplay Deebo Samuel’s complaint
Much like when Samuel had a physical altercation with two of his teammates during the 49ers’ win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Kyle Shanahan tried to downplay the star receivers’ comments on Tuesday.
Brock Purdy would like to get Samuel the ball more
Quarterback Brock Purdy addressed Samuel’s comments on Tuesday. Per David Bonilla with 49ers Webzone, Purdy understands Samuel’s frustration but stressed the lack of Samuel’s targets had to do with the scheme, not personal beef.
“I think [Samuel’s] right,” Purdy said. “He’s doing great right now with what we ask of him in the offense, and he’s not struggling. … There’s just moments, I guess, throughout seasons where guys just don’t get the ball, just depending on scheme or what the defensive scheme is, and them taking guys away.
“I want to get Deebo the ball every play if I could. I want to have him break all the records as best as possible. I want Deebo to do Deebo things, and we all do in this building. So, that’s just how the games have gone. But I love my guy, and I’m going to do everything I can to give him the ball.”
Samuel has recorded 40 receptions on 64 targets for 553 yards and one touchdown on the season. He’s appeared in all 12 of San Francisco’s games in 2024.
Samuel’s best season came in 2021 when he recorded 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns.
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