Yahoo Sports NFL on Deebo Samuel

ArticleWhy Kyle Shanahan didn't initially believe 49ers would bring back Deebo Samuel
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Now we truly do need him in those spots. He's always been good enough to be in that spot — we were just a lot deeper. I think it's worked out well for Deebo that he gets a lot more opportunities now.
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Injuries to Pearsall, Stribling, and Robinson elevated Samuel from depth piece to essential 49ers receiver.

Shanahan initially did not plan to sign Samuel due to receiver depth (Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, De'Zhaun Stribling, Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins), but injuries to Ricky Pearsall (season-ending), Stribling (Week 1, ~10 weeks out), and Demarcus Robinson (Week 2) have dramatically expanded Samuel's workload and role. Shanahan stated: "Now we truly do need him in those spots" and "it's worked out well for Deebo that he gets a lot more opportunities now." Samuel is now positioned as one of the 49ers' most essential pieces rather than a depth signing.

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