For the third time this season, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been nominated for the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week Award. The latest nomination comes just hours after the 49ers' thrilling 26-21 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17 to close out the regular season.
Samuel finished the game with 135 yards from scrimmage, which included five catches for 102 receiving yards. The receiver also made an impact in the ground attack with two carries for 33 yards and a touchdown. The game was Samuel's third with 100-or-more receiving yards.
Samuel's three games of 100-or-more receiving yards are the most by a rookie in a single season in franchise history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
The other award nominees are Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew, Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery, Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown, and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman.
Fans can click here to vote for the 49ers rookie through Friday. The 49ers made Samuel a second-round pick in April, and the rookie finished the regular season with 57 catches for 802 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Samuel's 57 receptions are the second-most by a rookie in franchise history. Only Earl Cooper had more with 83 in 1980.
Samuel's 802 receiving yards also ranks as the second-most by a rookie in franchise history, behind only Jerry Rice, who had 927 in 1985.