Deebo Samuel to face DeSean Jackson in Madden to benefit coronavirus relief efforts

EA Sports and The Checkdown are hosting a Madden NFL charity tournament that features eight NFL players to benefit coronavirus relief efforts. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel will be taking part as he faces Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson in the first round. I’ve seen conflicting reports about when you can watch Deebo play. The 49ers Instagram page said it’s at 5 p.m PT, while a couple of beat writers tweeted that the game starts at 3 p.m. PT. KNBR said 5 p.m. PT, as did EA’s Twitter handle, so let’s go with that. Here is the press release from EA Sports:

“NFL’s The Checkdown and EA Madden have partnered up for an EA Madden tournament featuring eight NFL players squaring off in a bracket-style challenge to crown the top Madden player that will work to benefit COVID-19 relief efforts.”

The NFL Foundation and EA will make a donation on behalf of each participant to charities supporting COVID-19 relief efforts.

Games will stream live on EA Madden’s Twitch channel and will feature commentary from James Koh, Josh Lewin, and Ryan “RG” Glick.”

What I want to know is how Deebo plays the game. Does he just throw the ball to himself? When Richard Sherman streamed Madden last year, he subbed in Jerick McKinnon at running back and Jason Verrett at cornerback. Will Samuel make any personnel changes? You can stream Samuel playing here.