Deebo Samuel is about as tough as they come. The wide receiver/running back got banged up during Saturday night's playoff win against the Green Bay Packers but fought through and stuck with his teammates until the end.
Now, the San Francisco 49ers are headed to the NFC Championship Game for the second time in three years.
Things looked bad as Samuel tried to make his way to the sideline in the closing moments, hopping on one foot and then needing assistance to get to the bench because he could not put weight on his right leg.
By the time Samuel and his teammates watched Robbie Gould's kick sail through the uprights to seal the win, the receiver seemed fine.
"He was out celebrating with them [after the win]," head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "He seemed alright."
Samuel provided an update to NFL Network's Stacey Dales just moments after the game concluded.
"My ankle got twisted up, and I got scared there for a second, but I'll be alright," Samuel told Dales.
During his post-game press conference, a reporter asked Samuel how he felt.
"I was hurting all game," Samuel said while laughing, "but I'll be alright."
Earlier in the game, Packers linebacker Krys Barnes tackled Samuel after a 12-yard reception and the wideout was slow to get back to the sideline.
"The guy caught me, and he hit my shoulder," Samuel explained. "It was just a little stinger, so I was good."
It sounds like Samuel didn't endure any injuries that might endanger his availability next weekend against either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Los Angeles Rams. That is certainly some good news for the 49ers, who are one win away from returning to the Super Bowl.
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