San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Kyle Shanahan clowns Deebo Samuel for shirtless photos

By Vinny Somma | Last updated Jul 25, 2023 8:49 PM ET

Deebo Samuel has been putting in work this offseason and he wants everyone to know it — including his head coach.

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Tuesday that the star wide receiver has been blowing up his phone with countless photos of himself shirtless to showcase his progress.

"Never had a grown man send me so many pictures with his shirt off, but it looks good," Shanahan said laughing. "I can tell he's put the work in."

#49ers Kyle Shanahan on WR Deebo Samuel hardcore preparation for the 2023 season:

"Never had a grown man send me so many pictures of himself with his shirt off, but he looked good." pic.twitter.com/yQpYRohv7V
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 25, 2023

Samuel has been busy this offseason in preparation to regain his All-Pro form from two seasons ago. After posting a career-high in receiving yards (1,405) and a league-high in yards per reception (18.2) in 2021, Samuel took a major step back this past season. Coming off an offseason riddled with contract disputes and trade rumors, Samuel battled hamstring and ankle injuries in 2022, appearing in only 13 games and posting just 632 receiving yards.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Deebo Samuel (@19problemz)

The good news for Samuel: His quarterback appears to be on track for the season opener. 49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters on Tuesday that Brock Purdy is “cleared and ready to go” and that he’ll be “without restrictions.”

“Brock’s cleared and ready to go.”

John Lynch says Brock Purdy has been medically cleared no restrictions but will be on a “pitch count” (won’t practice for three straight days). pic.twitter.com/uJFxUpKOFX
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) July 25, 2023

Purdy, Mr. Irrelevant of the 2022 NFL Draft, took the league by storm a season ago while filling in for the injured Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. The Iowa State product went undefeated in his five regular-season starts, tossing 13 touchdown passes to just four interceptions. Purdy went on to lead the Niners to two playoff victories before being knocked out of the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles with a right elbow injury.

Vinny Somma

Vinny Somma boasts nearly a decade of experience as a sports writer and editor. He held the positions of NBA and UFC Editor at Heavy. Prior to this role, he acted as the lead contributor for Heavy's coverage of the New York Giants, Boston Celtics and Fantasy Football.

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