Deebo Samuel Expresses Frustration Over Social Media Criticism Amid Struggles

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel faced backlash on social media after expressing frustration over his performance this season. The post, which appeared on X (formerly Twitter) earlier this week, sparked widespread reactions and was ultimately deleted. However, it left a mark on the online discourse surrounding the 49ers star’s current slump.

Samuel’s social media post read, “Not hard at all, just not getting the ball!!!!!!!” The comment, which seemed to point toward his limited involvement in the offense, received a community note that countered his claim, stating, “He leads the team in touches. He’s not struggling.”

Struggles on the Field

Currently in his sixth NFL season, Deebo Samuel is enduring one of the least productive stretches of his career. He is averaging just 2.9 yards per carry on 32 attempts and has recorded only 40 receptions for 553 yards. Notably, Samuel hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 6, making this season his worst in terms of receptions and receiving yards per game.

Before the Thursday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Samuel addressed his social media post during an interview, acknowledging his disappointment.“You read what you read. There’s definitely some frustration,” Samuel admitted.

Coach and Quarterback Respond

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the issue, understanding Samuel’s frustrations while emphasizing the team’s commitment to involving him more.“Deebo wants to help us, and the best way for him to do that is by getting the ball more. We’re working on it and will continue to do so,” Shanahan stated.

Shanahan also expressed a preference for keeping such matters private, saying, “I wish he would’ve kept it offline, but it’s water under the bridge now.”

Meanwhile, quarterback Brock Purdy, who appeared to be the target of Samuel’s post, offered a supportive perspective. Purdy dismissed any notion of tension, emphasizing his strong relationship with the star wide receiver.“Deebo and I talk all the time, and he’s like one of my best friends on this team. I love what he brings to the table and how he’s helped me,” Purdy shared.

Purdy explained the challenges of offensive schemes and defensive coverage, which sometimes limit opportunities for certain players. He reassured his commitment to getting Samuel more involved, adding, “I want to get the ball to Deebo on every play if I can. I want him to break every record possible.”

Moving Forward

The incident highlights the frustrations that can arise during a challenging season, even for top players like Deebo Samuel. Despite his struggles, Samuel remains a crucial asset for the 49ers, and both his coach and quarterback have expressed confidence in his abilities.

As the team works to integrate Samuel more effectively into the offense, his on-field performance will be pivotal in determining how the 49ers fare for the rest of the season. For now, fans and teammates alike are hopeful that Deebo Samuel’s playmaking talents will shine once again.