49ers WR Deebo Samuel had weirdest NFL Week 3 stat line

San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

49ers WR Deebo Samuel had weirdest NFL Week 3 stat line

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Sep 27, 2026 10:22 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers overcame an extensive list of defensive injuries on Sunday to secure a big NFC West win over the Arizona Cardinals, outlasting them in a 36-30 decision.

Quarterback Brock Purdy had a big day, throwing for four touchdowns, including two to tight end George Kittle.

But it was wide receiver Deebo Samuel that ended up having the most bizarre stat line of the day. Not only for the 49ers, but for the entire NFL. Maybe for the entire NFL season.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel had weirdest NFL stat line in Week 3 win

Samuel's final stat line for the day:

Zero catches
Zero targets
80 yards
One touchdown

Here is what 80 yards with a touchdown despite having zero catches looks like on the field.

It is a perfectly pulled-off hook-and-ladder play involving Mike Evans and Samuel.

MIKE EVANS FLIPS IT TO DEEBO FOR THE TD@AZvsSF on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/GOuLwblygR
— NFL (@NFL) September 27, 2026

The way it works is that Mike Evans gets credit for the reception, but Samuel gets credit for the receiving yards after he gets the lateral and runs down the sideline.

Samuel did not have another pass go his way, but he did run the ball two times for 14 yards.

According to Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith, it is the most receiving yards a player has ever had without actually catching a pass, surpassing the 65 yards that Timmy Smith had for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 1961 game.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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