The San Francisco 49ers took more than their fair share of licks in a tough NFC divisional playoff game on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers.
In addition, the 49ers needed to overcome a 21-14 deficit to win the game thanks to a six-yard run by running back Christian McCaffrey with 1:07 remaining. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel left the game with a shoulder injury, dealing a serious blow to San Francisco even before the late on-field drama.
Coach Kyle Shanahan informed reporters on Thursday that Samuel would be a limited participant in the day’s practice. Samuel’s status for Sunday’s NFC championship game against the Detroit Lions has been in doubt this week.
Before his premature exit, Samuel was limited to just two catches for 24 yards against the Packers. All this week, there has been conjecture regarding Samuel’s situation. Notable wide receiver Jerry Rice even suggested on Wednesday that Samuel would play.
The South Carolina product was his usual lethal self in 15 regular season games, hauling in 60 passes for 892 yards and seven touchdowns.