Deebo Samuel has apologised after walking over a cameraman while he was down during Sunday's 35-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The wide receiver scored the opening touchdown of the game with a stunning run down the sideline, and collided with the cameraman after being shoved by Buccaneers star Logan Ryan. Although Samuel was at no fault for the incident, the San Francisco 49ers star proceeded to step back over the man who remained on the floor, which didn't go down too well with fans online.
However Samuel has since offered his apologies on Twitter, and admitted that emotions got the better of him in that moment. "My apologies for stepping over the camera guy," Samuel posted online.
"Definitely didn’t realise I did it until watching the tape. Was just in the moment. My apologies my guy," Samuel added.
On the field Samuel proved his worth again, showing his versatility as both a receiver and a running back against Tom Brady's Buccaneers side. And it was a brilliant day for the 49ers offense as a whole, with Christian McAffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and even Brock Purdy getting into the endzone.
But unfortunately for the 49ers it was another game, and another big injury as Samuel was carted off the field with ankle trouble. After losing Jimmy Garoppolo - Samuel, McAffrey and Nick Bosa all picked up knocks against the Buccaneers.
However, they still went on to win handsomely, and even with their squad not at full strength, they're 9-4 for the season. Head coach Kyle Shanahan gave an update on Samuel's injury, although he wasn't sure how serious it was.
"We’re not sure, most likely (a high sprain)," Shanahan said when asked if the 49ers had determined what Samuel has sustained. "They just said nothing was broken, so that was the best news. Not broken helps. If it’s a high ankle, that’s usually some time."
49ers legend Jerry Rice criticised the coaching staff on Instagram when seeing Samuel carted off the field. The former NFL star said: "Please stop running out skill player up the middle. Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo and now Deebo Samuel all hurt!!"
But Shanahan was all smiles after the game, and he praised stand-in quarterback Purdy for his incredible performance. Purdy became the first ever quarterback to beat a Brady side on his first ever start, and Shanahan was delighted.
"I think he did an awesome job. I think all you guys saw that, but he made a ton of plays. Made the plays that were there, made some plays that weren’t there. He did a great job in the pocket.
"Had one mistake there, he was fortunate that we got that one back. He didn’t hesitate. I think he threw a touchdown the next play, which was really cool, but it’s really impressive how he played and I thought it was similar to the week before."
