Deebo Samuel disputes report of declining to speak with media after 49ers loss

After the San Francisco 49ers' crushing 38-10 defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that wide receiver Deebo Samuel declined to speak with the media.

Samuel, coming off one of the most disappointing performances of his NFL career, caught just one pass for 21 yards and made two critical mistakes, including one that led to a Brandon Allen interception. Pro Football Focus handed Samuel his worst-ever offensive grade, a 45.5 mark that was among the worst in the game.

While some criticized the team captain's decision to skip his post-game media availability, Samuel refuted the claim, insisting the situation unfolded differently.

"Normally after the game, if you're obligated to speak to the media, they will approach you," Samuel explained on his Cleats and Convos podcast, per Ali Thanawalla of NBC Sports Bay Area. "Wasn't approached after I got dressed, so therefore I just headed out of the locker room. So I don't know where that narrative came from."

Despite the team's current struggles, which include a 5-6 record and last place in the NFC West standings, Samuel remains hopeful about the 49ers' playoff chances.

"There's just a lot of stuff to reflect on this year, with us being 5-6," Samuel said. "Not having the season we want to have, for sure. But at the end of the day, we're still kind of where we want to be. I think we win the next two games against division opponents [against the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 12 and the Arizona Cardinals on Jan. 5 or Jan. 6], we'll be right at the top."

Samuel's lack of production has been a focal point of criticism this season. He has managed just 34 catches for 511 receiving yards and has yet to surpass 100 receiving yards in a game since October 10. The receiver has only two touchdowns—one receiving and one rushing—all season, the last of which also came on October 10.

Aware of the criticism, Samuel offered his perspective.

"See a lot of fans saying 'Deebo's production is a little off' but when the opportunity presents itself, you can't show me where I haven't shown up," Samuel said. "I always said, 'Control the things you can control,' and just move on from there."

The 49ers face another tough test this week, heading to Buffalo to take on the Bills in a Sunday night matchup.