Samuel's return was joined by tackle Trent Williams, who had missed the past two games due to an ankle injury. Despite acknowledging that he has not fully recovered, Williams played a crucial role in the game.
"I don't think I took a step back," Williams shared after the game. "Definitely didn't get any better. But I think I'm close to 75, 80 percent. I think I'm still around there."
A still-ailing Williams admitted that he wasn't confident he would suit up in Jacksonville. However, he played, and the All-Pro's presence made an impact.
"I think it was just good to get everybody back," Samuel told team reporter Lindsey Pallares after the game. "You know, we just added [DE] Chase [Young], so you can see our defense was playing crazy right now, only allowing three points. We get back to scoring 30 points. I think it was just a collective win."
Samuel and Williams teamed up on a pivotal play in the third quarter that got the wide receiver into the end zone.
"Once I came around the edge, I seen Trent and nothing but white jerseys, and I was like, 'Yeah, this got to get into the end zone,'" Samuel said.
While Samuel saw Williams during the play, Williams did not see his teammate.
"It's kind of weird because 31 (Jaguars CB Darious Williams) turned around and ran," Williams told reporters, laughing. "I ain't never seen that. I knew he (Samuel) was close because I could just tell the reaction of the guy in front of me.
"But I feel so comfortable with [RB Christian McCaffrey] or [Samuel] out there in the open field, I just got to get in the way long enough for them to make a decision. And once 19 gets a head of steam, it's really tough to bring him down."
When questioned about his determination to play despite not being fully healthy, Williams revealed, "I miss it. Obviously, not being out there the last couple of weeks and not being able to contribute and help my team, it really sucks, man. You feel useless around the building when you're not out there contributing in a physical way."
The offensive lineman acknowledged that he was rusty, something he expected going into the Week 10 matchup, having not played in a month.
Williams added, "It was important for me to get out there, and I told coach a week ago, if I got to 75 percent, I think I was going to give it a shot."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' John Lynch explains Deebo Samuel's expanded role in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers were clear with wide receiver Deebo Samuel when negotiating his return to the team that selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. They knew what he was capable of and how to get the most out of the versatile playmaker, making the reunion... -
49ers game changers: Trent Williams on Kaelon Black, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner
San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Kaelon Black shared this week what it is like to play alongside offensive tackle Trent Williams, a sure-fire future Hall of Famer. "Growing up, I was a Washington fan, so he was on Washington," Black said. "I was like in third, fourth... -
49ers vs. Cardinals injury report: Mike Evans among several who did not practice
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 3 contest against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. San Francisco made several roster moves Wednesday, including placing defensive tackle C.J. West on injured reserve with a knee... -
49ers Notebook: Shanahan not ruling Brandin Cooks out vs. Cardinals; Players need to step up amid injuries
We'll start this edition of the notebook with the San Francisco 49ers' defense, specifically the defensive line. The unit has endured several injuries early in the season, particularly along the interior. Projected starting defensive tackle Alfred Collins was lost for the...