n a season where expectations remain sky-high for the , one of their most electrifying players, , has struggled to recapture his usual spark. The , sitting at an unsteady , are in the thick of the playoff race, but they've yet to show the dominance that once made them a powerhouse. , known for his dual-threat ability, has found himself underwhelming statistically, with just .

The team's playoff hopes hinge on navigating a tough schedule, starting with a crucial matchup against the this Sunday. As the aim to right the ship, criticism has started to swirl, including from a name that carries significant weight in the franchise's history: . The who spent eight stellar seasons with the , didn't hold back this week while assessing .

Speaking candidly during an interview, , suggesting Samuel hasn't been playing up to the level expected of him. Owens said, first reported by . tempered his critique with humor, clarifying, but his message was .

He believes if the 49ers hope to contend in the highly competitive Deebo Samuel's slump: Can he bounce back when the 49ers need him most? has been noticeable, especially after a standout game on against the , where he recorded . Since then, his numbers have dipped significantly, including a -a game the in heartbreaking fashion. For a team vying for postseason glory, every misstep counts, and reflect growing frustration with the The team currently trails the by just one game in the standings, meaning a strong finish could still secure their playo.