San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan believes Deebo Samuel could be a stellar running back in the NFL. In light of the team placing Christian McCaffrey on the injured reserve list, it’s likely that Shanahan will occasionally use Samuel as a running back.
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“If Deebo fully committed to running back and didn’t play any wideout, I think he would be one of the better running backs in the league,” Shanahan told NBC Sports (hat tip to Coach Yac for the clip). “That’s how he’s built, that’s how tough he is. No one likes to tackle Deebo. He’s not really a receiver playing that position, he’s a weapon, and you can put him anywhere. I don’t like to put him there too much because we want his speed and everything he can do outside and between the hashes and everything.”
“I know the defenses don’t like him back there either because he runs so hard, and punishes them, and if he does get a lane, Deebo is gonna get a house call,” Shanahan continued. “He’s a scary guy with the ball in his hands, wherever you can get it to him, and the easiest spot to get anyone the ball is running back because you can just hand it off to him.”
Samuel is a dual threat for the San Francisco offense. He’s not a true wide receiver, but that’s because he offers versatile talent to the Shanahan scheme.
Samuel is one of the key components of the 49ers offense.
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McCaffrey’s stint on injured reserve isn’t ideal, but San Francisco still has Jordan Mason and Samuel in their arsenal.
Samuel recorded 54 yards through five receptions against the Jets. He also added eight carries and 23 yards.
Samuel will likely contribute to the run game in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings. The 49ers haven’t won in Minnesota for more than three decades. Despite McCaffrey’s absence from the team, fans are still confident San Francisco can come out with a win.
Mason showcased his talent in Week 1 against the New York Jets. He posted 28 carries for 147 yards in the 49ers’ 32-19 win on Monday Night Football.
Among other practice squad players who could be activated, the 49ers also have Isaac Guerendo, Patrick Taylor, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn.
McCaffrey is slated to miss at least four games because of calf tightness and Achilles tendonitis, but it’s arguably the best point of the season for the 49ers to be short their star running back.
For updates on the 49ers, head to Newsweek Sports.
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