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.
Written By:
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
Rohan Chakravarthi
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers rank among NFL's best RB duos despite uncertainty behind Christian McCaffrey
When discussing the best running back situations in the NFL, it's difficult to overlook the San Francisco 49ers. The team has one of the league's most dynamic players in Christian McCaffrey, giving San Francisco one of the NFL's most dangerous backfields. CBS Sports' Jared... -
Should the 49ers bring back Deebo Samuel? Pros and cons of a reunion
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk and tight end George Kittle are both open to Deebo Samuel returning to the San Francisco 49ers. Samuel shared an Instagram post reading, "Let the chips fall where they may," and the two All-Pros said they have guest rooms available if needed. Naturally,... -
49ers unveil 2026 uniform schedule, including throwbacks and Rivalries look
The San Francisco 49ers have unveiled their uniform schedule for the 2026 season, giving fans an early look at what the team will wear each week. In addition to their standard home and road uniforms, the 49ers will once again feature several alternate looks, including their... -
49ers and Brandon Aiyuk: The drama has become repetitive
When he became the starter during his rookie year, quarterback Brock Purdy was consistently referred to by his draft-day moniker, "Mr. Irrelevant." As the Niners won and continued to win while he was the starter, reporters used the same phrase over and over again—that Purdy...