NFL insider gives promising, yet concerning, update on Deebo Samuel

For a decent chunk of Saturday night, it didn't look like the San Francisco 49ers were going to be hosting an NFC Championship Game on January 28.

The Green Bay Packers gave Brock Purdy and co. all they could handle and nearly came away with the win, if it weren't for Purdy's sensational game-winning drive in the fourth quarter and a game-sealing interception with under a minute to play.

Yes, it's fair to say the 49ers "escaped" with a win, as they trailed throughout much of the second half. It wasn't the most impressive showing, but at the same time, one has to give the team credit for pulling out a win without one of its best players in All-Pro wide receiver, Deebo Samuel.

Samuel hurt his shoulder after he caught a nine-yard pass in the first quarter and he did not return. He was seen on the sideline, multiple times, without pads and in a hoodie for the remainder of the game - meaning, it was clear he was done for the night.

After the game, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Samuel should be "OK" and that a source said the versatile wide receiver has a chance to play in next week's NFFCG. But, at the same time, 9ers head coach, Kyle Shanahan compared the injury to the one Samuel suffered against the Cleveland Browns. You know, the same shoulder injury that caused Samuel to miss the next two games.

No Samuel against either the Detroit Lions or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is something the 9ers don't want to experience, and obviously, having him on the field would be a huge boon for San Fran's offense.