Deebo Samuel sees increased role during 49ers joint practice with Titans

In a joint practice on August 11, 2026, Deebo Samuel showcased a larger role in the San Francisco 49ers offense against the Tennessee Titans. Samuel, primarily a wide receiver, spent considerable time in the backfield, possibly due to the absence of several running backs including Christian McCaffrey. His performance included a notable one-handed catch in the red zone. Recent comparisons highlight a decrease in Samuel's rushing effectiveness over the last two seasons, prompting the 49ers to explore various ways to utilize his skills effectively. This practice session indicates an intention to revert to his earlier multi-dimensional role as the team prepares for future competitions.

• 3:00 AMYahoo Sports — Everything old is new with Deebo Samuel's role in 49ers joint practice