The San Francisco 49ers recently held a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans, and the session provided insights into the potential evolution of Deebo Samuel's role within the team's offense this season. Known for his versatility, Samuel has been a key player for the 49ers, and his performance during this practice may indicate a shift back to utilizing him in multiple capacities.
According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, Samuel received significant attention in the backfield during the practice, a move that could be attributed to the 49ers' current running back depth issues. With Christian McCaffrey, Jordan James, and Kaelon Black sidelined for the session, Samuel's involvement in the run game became crucial. Wagoner noted that Samuel's hard-charging style set a competitive tone for the practice, particularly highlighted by a remarkable one-handed catch in the red zone from quarterback Brock Purdy.
Historically, Samuel has been a dynamic player for the 49ers, often lining up in various positions to maximize his impact on the game. However, in recent seasons, there has been a noticeable decline in his rushing production. In 2024, he managed only 42 carries for 136 yards, averaging a career-low of 3.2 yards per carry. The following season saw a slight improvement, with 17 carries for 75 yards at an average of 4.4 yards per carry, yet this still falls short compared to his earlier seasons where he averaged 6.3 yards per carry.
Additionally, Samuel's ability to break tackles has diminished. Between 2021 and 2023, he averaged 46 rushing attempts and 18 missed tackles forced per season, translating to a rate of .39 missed tackles forced per rush attempt. In contrast, the last two seasons have seen his average drop to 29.5 carries per season, with only seven missed tackles forced, resulting in a rate of .24 missed tackles forced per rush attempt. This decline raises questions about how the 49ers can best utilize Samuel's talents moving forward.
Given these trends, it is prudent for the 49ers to explore various ways to integrate Samuel into their offensive scheme effectively. The past two seasons have clarified his current capabilities as a 'wide back,' and it may be wise for the team to limit his workload during training camp practices to preserve his effectiveness for the regular season. As the 49ers continue to navigate their roster challenges, Samuel's adaptability could play a pivotal role in their offensive strategy.
As the preseason approaches, the 49ers will need to finalize their approach to Samuel's role, balancing his unique skill set with the team's overall needs. The joint practice with the Titans may have been just a glimpse into how the 49ers plan to leverage Samuel's abilities in the upcoming season.
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