The San Francisco 49ers secured a hard-fought victory against the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round of the playoffs, but it came at a cost. Star wide receiver Deebo Samuel suffered a left shoulder injury in the first quarter, casting doubts over his availability for the upcoming NFC Championship game.

Samuel's absence was keenly felt throughout the game, as the 49ers struggled to generate points without their dynamic playmaker on the field. The team is now anxiously awaiting the results of further testing on Samuel's shoulder, hoping to rule out a hairline fracture similar to the one he endured earlier in the season.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted that the severity of Samuel's injury was still unknown, but there are indications that he may have a chance to play next Sunday. The 28-year-old wide receiver has been a critical component of the 49ers' offense, recording 60 receptions for 892 yards and seven touchdowns in the regular season. Additionally, Samuel has showcased his versatility with 225 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

During Samuel's previous injury absence in Week 6, the 49ers struggled offensively, scoring only 17 points in each of the following two losses. Tight end George Kittle emphasized Samuel's importance to the team, highlighting his unique abilities and the impact he has on the game.

Quarterback Brock Purdy faced difficulties connecting with his receivers while Samuel was off the field, reinforcing the team's reliance on the wide receiver's presence. However, Purdy managed to orchestrate a crucial drive in the fourth quarter against the Packers, leading to Christian McCaffrey's go-ahead touchdown that ultimately secured the victory.

As the 49ers gear up for the NFC Championship game in Santa Clara, their aspirations of reaching Super Bowl 2024 hinge on Samuel's recovery. The team will closely monitor his condition in the coming days, with hopes of having their standout receiver back on the field for the crucial matchup against the winner of the Lions-Buccaneers game.

The 49ers recognize the significance of Samuel's contributions and the impact his absence could have on their offensive dynamics. Regardless of the outcome, the team is preparing to adapt their strategies to account for Samuel's potential absence in the championship game.

The clock is ticking, and the 49ers anxiously await more information on Deebo Samuel's shoulder injury. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the star wide receiver can recover in time to help propel the team one step closer to Super Bowl victory.