Why Jerry Rice Confidently Believes Deebo Samuel Will Play vs. Lions in NFC Championship

The San Francisco 49ers are set to host the Detroit Lions this weekend in the NFC championship, but they could be without one of their best players. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel suffered a shoulder injury against the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round from which he did not return and there’s reportedly a 50-50 chance he’ll be able to play in Sunday’s game. 

Samuel’s importance to his team’s offense can’t be ignored and the team would certainly feel his absence if he can’t give it a go—but one legend has no doubt he’s going to play. 

“I expect Deebo Samuel to be on that football field,” former 49ers wideout Jerry Rice said Wednesday on 95.7 The Game. “That’s the bottom line. I think with Deebo, being a competitor that he is, he’s gon’ be ready to play.”

Samuel, 28, tallied 1,117 yards from scrimmage this past season and scored 12 total touchdowns. The matchup is set for Sunday night at 6:30 on Fox.