Deebo Samuel named NFC Offensive Player of the Week

49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after his six-catch, 171-yard performance against the Bears. Samuel has been nothing short of spectacular all season as he has 44 receptions, with 34 of those going for either first. downs or touchdowns. He’s been better than efficient.

This is the first time Samuel has won Offensive Player of the Week. He’s also the first wide receiver on the 49ers to win the award since Anquan Bolin — my favorite wide receiver of all time — did it during Week 1 of 2013.

There are quite a few similarities between Boldin and Samuel in their play style. Samuel can hit a different gear, but both players rarely go down on first contact and often turn shorter, underneath gains into first downs.

We spent plenty of time during last year and the offseason complaining about Samuel’s usage and how he was relegated to extended handoffs. This year, Samuel has run 18 routes beyond 15 yards. In addition, he’s caught 15 of his 18 targets, which is ridiculously efficient.

The idea of the 49ers' offense throwing the ball down the field opened up everything on Sunday. Deebo was a significant part of that.

The 49ers signed veteran safety Will Parks, 27, to the practice squad, per himself:

Expect Tony Jefferson to be called up from the practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals.

The team released LB Tyrell Adams, with Azeez Al-Shaair returning from a concussion. They also waived kicker Joey Slye as Robbie Gould returns from an injury as well.

Additionally, Nate Gerry, Jacques Patrick, and Eddie Yarbrough were released from the team’s practice squad, while safety Kai Nacua has been placed on the practice squad IR.