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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been one of the most exciting fantasy players during his first few years in the NFL. But due partly to injury, the 2022 season has been a disappointment by most standards for his fans and fantasy managers alike.
Samuel is a multi-dimensional playmaker in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, often making jaw-dropping plays that captivate football audiences. But in recent weeks, Samuel has appeared on the injury report, and questions about his availability are being asked.
Fantasy managers are wondering about their elite receiver. Is he injured? Will he play in Week 14? Let's dive in.
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Deebo Samuel Injury News
Deebo has been limited with a quad injury in practices for three straight weeks. He has been questionable leading up to each of his previous three games but has played through the issue each time.
Shanahan revealed last Friday that Samuel's injury is actually being diagnosed as a deep thigh bruise, and it is likely he will continue to not be at full strength in the immediate future.
On Thursday and Friday, Samuel was back on the practice field, albeit still in a limited fashion. He provided fantasy managers with decent production in Week 13, with six receptions for 58 yards on 10 targets while adding five rushing yards, but the bigger concern is his availability for Week 14.
Is Deebo Samuel Injured or Playing in Week 14 Fantasy Football?
The 49ers lost quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a broken foot in Week 13, likely ending his season. On the surface, that might appear to hurt the fantasy value of Samuel. If the first game with his replacement QB Brock Purdy was any indication, not so fast.
Through 11 weeks, Samuel is averaging 7.8 targets and 13.9 fantasy points per game and has scored four total touchdowns (two rushing and two receiving). Those numbers are solid by most standards. However, Samuel was drafted in the first and second rounds of most fantasy drafts, meaning the production has not matched the expectations.
Samuel was drafted by managers to be a difference-maker as they chase fantasy championships. While he has continued to be an integral part of the 49ers' offensive approach, he hasn't been the player fantasy owners counted on to carry them to the winner's circle.
While it seems likely based on recent weeks that Samuel will once again suit up this Sunday against the Buccaneers, monitor the practice report leading up to game time. Have a backup plan in case he is surprisingly inactive. But if he's all systems go, start Samuel as a solid WR2 in Week 14.
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