Deebo Samuel had an interesting way of showing his off-season training progress to his coach.
The San Francisco 49ers opened training camp on Tuesday, but head coach Kyle Shanahan had already seen plenty of Samuel this offseason — in the form of shirtless workout photos.
“That’s what’s been real cool with [Samuel] in these 40 days away,” Shanahan said in his Tuesday press conference. “Just seeing him yesterday for the first time. Never had a grown man send me so many pictures with his shirt off, but it looks good. I can tell he put the work in, so I know you guys heard him that day.
“That’s the last time I really heard him, but I see better than I hear. Deebo is in a really good spot, and I’m really excited for Deebo this year.”
Samuel’s scantily clad photos were a sign that he has been putting in the work to comeback after a 2022 season that he described as “awful.”
The 2022 Pro Bowler recorded a total of 864 yards from scrimmage with four touchdowns in his dual role as running back and receiver.
Shanahan believes that Samuel was being “harsh” with his self-criticism.
“I don’t think Deebo had to be that harsh on himself to you guys, but it was cool to watch,” Shanahan said “Deebo is one of the best players in this league and anytime he doesn’t play like one of the best players in this league, everyone’s going to be disappointed, including himself.
“I think that was the case. It’s a fine line to say that he was awful just because he wasn’t one of the best players in the league. I think he was disappointed.”
“I think he can get back to playing a little bit more like he did in 2021. I think he took one small step back, but that doesn’t mean he can’t take two steps forward. And where Deebo was at, I think the last time you guys saw him showed that his mind was right to get back to that spot.”
Samuel had a career year in 2021, bringing 1,770 total yards to the 49ers’ offense to go along with 14 touchdowns en route to his first Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro nod.
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