On Friday, Samuel spoke with reporters, explaining that the initial recovery timeline was indeed what had been discussed with Shanahan.
"I mean, that's what the case was," Samuel said in the 49ers locker room after practice. "But I came back feeling pretty good, and we went to practice the past two days still feeling good, so we'll just see how it goes."
Friday morning, general manager John Lynch expressed excitement about Samuel's possible return to the field this weekend, emphasizing that recovery timelines are only estimates based on past data.
"But they're just that; they're timelines," Lynch said. "And so, Deebo ... the best athletes seem to heal at a little better rate. But we have really objective testing and markers that they have to hit, and the reason he's on the field is because he hit all these markers, and he felt good enough to be out there."
Samuel must be meeting those benchmarks if he is in play to suit up against the Patriots. That could provide a significant boost to a 49ers offense that is still missing versatile running back Christian McCaffrey.
With Jauan Jennings coming off a breakout performance, tallying 175 receiving yards and three touchdowns, there is renewed excitement among the fanbase to see Samuel, Jennings, and Brandon Aiyuk on the field together.
"It's always the sky's the limit when all three of us are out there together," Samuel said. "Especially, like, not only is he 'Third and Jauan,' but as you can see, he plays all over the field. And I was happy for him, for sure."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
NFL execs: 49ers could use in-season Mac Jones trade to bolster roster
The San Francisco 49ers never seriously entertained the idea of trading quarterback Mac Jones, especially after he stepped in for an injured Brock Purdy last season and helped keep the offense on track. However, with Jones entering the final year of his contract, 2026 could... -
49ers go in a different direction in 2025 NFL Draft do-over
The San Francisco 49ers used the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on defensive lineman Mykel Williams. While Williams flashed potential during his rookie season, his early development took a setback when he suffered a torn ACL, ending his campaign... -
49ers game manager? Alex Smith pushes back on Brock Purdy narrative
No matter what Brock Purdy accomplishes, there always seem to be critics ready to dismiss his success by claiming he's simply a product of the San Francisco 49ers' system. The "game manager" label has followed the 26-year-old quarterback throughout much of his NFL career. One... -
Ochocinco weighs in on the 49ers-Brandon Aiyuk drama
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk made headlines over the weekend with a series of eyebrow-raising moves, including sharing photos of himself wearing a Washington Commanders hat and posting messages that appeared to take aim at his current team. It's clear that...