Purdy and Shanahan respond to Deebo’s social media posts that originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Brock Purdy believes Deebo Samuel is a big part of the 49ers offense and wants to involve him more this season.
The San Francisco quarterback addressed Samuel’s viral social media posts about not getting the ball enough.
“Deebo and I talk all the time and he’s one of my best friends on the team,” Purdy told reporters on Tuesday. “I absolutely love Deebo and what he has done for me and helped me. I think he’s right. He’s doing great at the moment with what we ask of him in attack, he doesn’t have any problems with it or anything.
“There are times in the season when guys just don’t get the ball. It just depends on the scheme or what the defensive scheme is. So I want to give Deebo the ball, I want him to break all the records possible, and I want Deebo to do Deebo things. I love my husband and I’m going to do everything I can to get him the ball.”
The 28-year-old has struggled to make the explosive plays that were once his calling card. With just two touchdowns and 645 yards from scrimmage this season, this is his worst start in 12 games in his career. It’s not entirely his fault either, as San Francisco’s offense has been decimated by injuries and subpar play all season.
Coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t put too much on the posts either, given his close relationship with Samuel
“Yeah, we always like to keep things in-house, that’s probably why I don’t mess around with social media,” Shanahan said. ‘I’m sure I’d get excited too if I read things about myself all the time. I might make a tweet or something. Is it a distraction in our building? No.
“The first time I talk about it is here. Deebo and I see each other every day and talk about things every day. It’s water under the bridge.”
The recipient also addressed the posts and offered a blunt response.
“You read what you read,” Samuel told reporters. “A bit frustrated for sure.”
Getting Samuel more involved is critical for an offense that requires more consistent production. With the 49ers likely needing a win to make the playoffs, Purdy, Samuel and the rest of the offense will need to be firing on all cylinders.
Now the team has a quick turnaround before hosting the Los Angeles Rams on “Thursday Night Football” in a critical NFC West showdown.
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