49ers' Shanahan: Samuel's viral tweet isn't a distraction
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed Deebo Samuel's recent complaints, saying the team will try to get the receiver more involved in its game plan moving forward.
"I understand Deebo saying that," Shanahan said Tuesday, according to KNBR. "Deebo wants to help us out, and the only way he helps us out is by getting the ball more. We'd like to get it to him more, and we'll continue to work at that."
"Is it a distraction in our building? No," the sideline boss added.
"I've got to answer questions about it. This is the first time I've talked about it. Deebo and I see each other every day and talk about stuff every day. ... As far as what we deal with in our relationships and our team, it's water under the bridge."
Samuel wrote Monday in a since-deleted tweet on X that he isn't getting the ball enough but is in good form in what's been a disappointing season for the former All-Pro wideout.
The viral comments followed a 38-13 win Sunday over the Chicago Bears in which Samuel had only two catches and five rushing attempts. With Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk sidelined because of injuries, Samuel ranks third on the team with 64 targets this year. However, the 28-year-old has had 72 touches, the second most on the 49ers.
Samuel has been limited to 645 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in 2024 after a 1,117 and 12 campaign last year. He's averaged 9 yards per touch this season, down from 11.5 in 2023.
The veteran wideout has also recorded a 39.1% success rate in 2024, the first time he's under 40% in that category in a single season, according to Pro Football Reference. A successful reception is defined as a play that gains at least 40% of the yards required on first down, 60% of the yards required on second down, and 100% on third- or fourth-down situations.
"We'd always love things to stay in house," Shanahan said. "That's probably why I don't mess with social media. I'm sure I'd get worked up and stuff too if I was reading stuff about myself all the time. And then I'd maybe make a tweet or something."
The 49ers, who are 6-7, host the 7-6 Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. Samuel missed San Francisco's loss to Los Angeles in September because of a calf injury.