The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Detroit Lions. As the team prepares for the NFC title game, there is an air of uncertainty surrounding the participation of their star wide receiver, Deebo Samuel, who may not be available for the game.
The participation of the wide receiver is crucial for the team, contingent on his recovery from a shoulder injury sustained during the game against the Green Bay Packers.
Deebo Samuel likely to play NFC title game vs Lions
Deebo Samuel sustained a head injury during Saturday’s game, rejoining the match afterward. However, shortly thereafter, the wide receiver suffered a shoulder injury. Unfortunately, it appeared to be the same injury he had earlier in the season, leading to him missing three games.
Samuel couldn’t return to the game again which confirmed that this time his injury was serious. On Monday, the HC reported that the WR didn’t suffer a fracture, but he is in pain which makes the chances of his participation in the game 50-50.
Recent reports from Dr. Moore indicate a positive likelihood of the wide receiver playing in the upcoming game. According to the doctor, although Samuel’s injury initially appeared serious, X-rays and test reports have revealed decent chances of him participating against the Lions. Dr. Morse clarified that the injury seems more like a sprain than a fracture.
“They then confirmed that there was no fracture for this injury and X-rays were negative when you watch the replay and just know kind of what we usually see this is likely an AC Sprain and my suspicion is it’s more likely of type one then type two.”
The doctor acknowledged that there could be a risk of reinjury or a limitation in his performance to full potential. However, it does not necessarily mean that he won’t play at all.
The doctor, like many others, believes that the WR’s availability will impact the team members positively. Adam Caplan recently talked about Samuel’s injury and called it “the most impactful injury.”
This injury can hinder the team from letting the WR participate in the game which will ultimately cause a decline in their performance and lower their chances of winning without the contributions of their star WR. But now that it is clear that he has not suffered a fracture there is good hope that fans can watch Deebo Samuel play against Eminem’s favorite team, the Detroit Lions.
How many injuries has Deebo Samuel sustained?
Deebo Samuel has a lengthy history of injuries throughout his NFL career. These injuries have been a significant factor limiting his ability to showcase his full potential in the league.
In 2020, Samuel incurred a foot fracture, causing him to miss the first 3 games of the season. In October, he endured an Inguinal Groin Strain Grade 2 resulting in missing one game. In the same year, the WR suffered a Thigh Hamstring Strain Grade 2 leading to a three-game absence.
In December he saw another Thigh Hamstring Strain Grade 2 causing him to miss the final 3 games of the season.
In 2021, the WR suffered a Thigh Glute Strain. Then he incurred a Leg Calf Strain, making him questionable for the game against the Cardinals. Later, he again suffered an Inguinal Groin Strain Grade 2 causing him to miss one game.
In 2022, he endured a Knee Strain Grade and a Thigh Hamstring Sprain/Pull Unspecified Grade 1, resulting in a one-game absence. Subsequently, during Week 14, he suffered a Pedal Ankle Sprain Grade 2 and a Knee MCL Sprain Grade 2.
In 2023, he suffered only two main injuries. One was on October 15, 2023, which marked a Shoulder Scapula Fracture, a hairline fracture in his right shoulder vs. the Browns in Week 6.
Recently, Deebo Samuel has again suffered a shoulder injury. But there is hope that it is not that serious and will not cause him to miss the NFC title game.
