49ers' Samuel denies struggles: 'Just not getting the ball'
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel doesn't appear to be happy about his recent workload - or lack thereof.
Samuel - a former All-Pro who's in the midst of one of his least productive NFL seasons - wrote Monday in a since-deleted tweet that he's in good form, adding that he "just isn't getting the ball" enough.
Deebo Samuel has now deleted the tweet that led to what can only be described as the most brutal, murderous Community Noting ever witnessed on this app: pic.twitter.com/ovoWfDOFQX
— Daniel Ƀrrr (@csuwildcat) December 10, 2024
Samuel also explained that he has no issues with any of his teammates despite the lack of touches.
Just cause I voice my opinions mean I’m hating on any of my teammates!! Be Fr
— Deebo (@19problemz) December 9, 2024
San Francisco has been missing wideout Brandon Aiyuk and running back Christian McCaffrey, but Samuel had only three targets and five carries during Sunday's 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears. The 28-year-old finished the matchup with two catches for 22 yards while rushing for 13 yards.
Other pass-catchers stood out versus the Bears, though, as tight end George Kittle caught all six of his targets for 151 yards. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings hauled in seven passes with 90 yards and two touchdowns.
Samuel has recorded 553 yards and just one touchdown on 40 receptions across 12 games in 2024 while being targeted 64 times, the third most on the team. His 46.1 receiving yards per game mark is his worst average in a single season, and his average of yards after catch per reception has dropped from 8.7 in 2023 to 7.5 in 2024, according to PFF.
The one-time Pro Bowler has also carried the ball 32 times for 92 yards and one TD. He's been limited to 645 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns this year after finishing 2023 with 1,117 total yards and 12 TDs.
The Niners snapped a three-game losing streak with Sunday's victory and improved to 6-7 in what's been a roller-coaster season for the reigning NFC champions. San Francisco next plays the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football.