The San Francisco 49ers faced some unfortunate news this week as starting running back Christian McCaffrey was a non-participant in two of the week's three practices, although he was present on Friday and ultimately taken off the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Additionally, running back Elijah Mitchell missed the entire week of practice after sustaining a groin injury in last weekend's game against the Dallas Cowboys, with his status being questionable.
Regardless, San Francisco has an issue at running back with the limited nature of both key players, which means they'll need an adjustment against a tough Philadelphia team on Sunday.
The answer to their issues? Deebo. Samuel.
Deebo Samuel is the 49ers' most powerful player in terms of physicality, and his level of force has single-handedly won games. Remember the 2021-2022 NFC Divisional Game? Deebo Samuel sealed the game with a carry on... 3rd & 7, securing the 49ers a first down and a win.
The 49ers are going to need to impose their physicality on the Eagles, especially if Philadelphia executes a gameplan similar to San Francisco's previous two opponents: stacking players in the box to dare Brock Purdy to throw the football, trusting their cornerbacks in coverage.
Samuel is the perfect solution for that gameplan as his ability with the ball in his hands is unmatched; he's able to break tackles and accelerate in space, while playing the multi-dimensional role of a wideback.
Especially if Elijah Mitchell cannot play at 100%, Samuel should take a bigger role, be it out of the backfield or with screen passes, taking the game to the Eagles and forcing them to tackle.
Watching last weekend's game, it's clear that Christian McCaffrey wasn't at 100%, as his explosiveness was limited with the calf injury, while Mitchell looked banged up at times as well.
Could that mean a potential role for rookie running back Jordan Mason, who hasn't seen the field, outside of garbage time against the Seattle Seahawks in the wildcard round?
These questions should be answered as the game nears, but one thing is clear: the 49ers will need to find a way to create their level of physicality if their two top running backs aren't at 100%. And, Deebo Samuel is the clearest answer to that problem.
You have the dumbest takes. CMC isn't even on the injury report. You have been brainwashed that Philly is good. They havent played a team like the 49ers but 49ers have played a team like Philly. I should correct that eagles have played teams like the 49ers and got beat
Sam Darnold eager to learn from 49ers, reunite with Christian McCaffrey
By David Bonilla
10 hrs
It feels like Sam Darnold has been in the NFL for a while now. It isn't easy to believe that the newest San Francisco 49ers quarterback is only 25 years old, despite already starting 55 NFL games.
Darnold, speaking with 49ers team reporter Lindsey Pallares after signing his one-year deal with San Francisco, shared his eagerness to learn and continue to develop under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
"I think there's a ton of ways [for me] to grow and develop," Darnold said, "just by getting tons and tons of reps throughout practice and being able to watch film, sit down with Kyle, sit down with [quarterback coach Brian] Griese and the other quarterbacks, Trey [Lance] and Brock [Purdy]; just to be
Packers' Christian Watson: 49ers QB Trey Lance has "everything that it takes"
By David Bonilla
4 hrs
Trey Lance entered this past season as the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. However, a season-ending ankle injury during Week 2 ended his 2022 campaign, opening the door for Jimmy Garoppolo and, eventually, rookie Brock Purdy.
Purdy, the last overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, showed that he could play at the pro level. The first-year passer entered the game for an injured Garoppolo, leading the 49ers to a Week 13 win over the Miami Dolphins, followed by seven consecutive victories as a starter.
Had Purdy not suffered a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he would likely be the undisputed Week 1 starter for the 2023 season. Of course, the 49ers
Assessing the 49ers roster and needs after one week of free agency
By Kirk Larrabee
Mar 17
The first wave of free agency has come and gone, and the 49ers have had to say goodbye to a number of familiar faces while welcoming a few new ones. There's been a good amount of shuffling over the past week, but one thing remains clear -- the 49ers still have one of the best rosters in the NFL.
There's still more players to be added in the weeks ahead, both in the draft and in free agency. The 49ers still need depth and competition in a few areas, and maybe a new starter in a key spot on special teams. But with the way things look now, the 49ers could be looking at a fairly complete roster with very few weaknesses once they're done with their offseason moves.
Here's a look at where things stand by position as of March 17, along with some thoughts on where the
6 biggest 49ers draft mistakes of the Shanahan and Lynch era
By Rohan Chakravarthi
Mar 21
The San Francisco 49ers have been known as a team that has built throughout the draft in the Kyle Shanahan era, which has led to seasoned success throughout the head coach's tenure, with the organization reaching the NFC Championship Game three times over the past four seasons.
However, among the several draft hits that have propelled their roster to one of the league's best, there have been several mistakes that set the organization back at the time.
With the NFL Draft approaching next month, and the 49ers having another integral draft for their future success, let's revisit the five biggest draft mistakes of the Shanahan-Lynch era thus far.
Honorable Mention: Trey Lance
It feels absolutely unfair to place Trey Lance on this list at
