Samuel criticized Ryan Clark, an ESPN commentator, for his remarks against Purdy on Monday’s “First Take.” Clark’s observation was particularly noteworthy after Purdy led the 49ers to a 24-21 victory over the Green Bay Packers on January 20 in the Divisional Round, despite Samuel missing the most of the contest.
“I’m about to make a confession,” Clark said. “The single hardest thing I had to do this year was act like Brock Purdy deserved to be in the conversations with [Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson],” Clark said on Monday.
“Because [Purdy] was playing extremely well and operating in that offense and distributing that ball to [George] Kittle, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, we had to continue to include him in conversations with Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen. Those things are not alike,” Clark added.
Before being sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Samuel had two receptions for 24 yards. He shared his feelings on Instagram in an Instagram story. Purdy won his first game this season without Samuel playing the whole or most of the time. He passed for 252 yards and a score in addition to the game-winning drive.
“Never seen so much hate for a QB that lead the league in almost every category y’all folks be buggin frfr,” Samuel posted on his Instagram story. “That [tape] don’t tell no lies.”
To Samuel’s point, of all signal callers with 75 or more throws in 2023, Purdy had the highest quarterback and passer ratings. In terms of yards, touchdowns, and completion %, Purdy was also in the top five.
Deebo Samuel is still doubtful for the NFC Championship Game.
Samuel’s status for the NFC Championship Game is still unknown even if his exams revealed no fracture.
“It wasn’t broken, so that was a real good sign,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Monday. “But it’s still hurting too much for us to really have an idea how he will heal up this week. So, we’ve just got to be patient, see how he feels on Wednesday, and based on if it’s improving it will give us a better idea whether he has a chance for the game or not.”
In the first quarter of the game vs the Packers, Samuel was hurt, and he did not play again. He was also checked for concussions, but the results were negative.
“It was the shoulder and only the shoulder, but I think it looked live like he possibly could have taken a hit in the head, so that was just people from upstairs,” Shanahan said.
The Niners Have a Clearly Deebo Samuel-Free Backup Plan
When San Francisco plays the Detroit Lions in the NFC final game, they must be prepared for Samuel to play or not. If Samuel is unable to play, Jauan Jennings, the third wide receiver, will see a larger role.
With five catches for 61 yards against the Packers, Jennings made a significant contribution. In 13 games this season, Jennings has 19 catches for 265 yards and a touchdown.
“Jauan, he always contributes,” Shanahan said. “I think people see it more when he catches the ball, but Jauan has an impact whenever he’s out there on the field, whether it’s the run game or the pass game. He stepped it up big for us, one of the biggest warriors out on the field and love that he’s on our team.”
