So Sad: Another injury report

The San Francisco 49ers have got a huge boost ahead of their NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions, with wide receiver Deebo Samuel being cleared to play. Samuel, who injured his shoulder during the 49ers’ Divisional Round victory over the Green Bay Packers, was a source of concern for the offense. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Friday that Samuel is not on the injury list and will play in Sunday’s key game.

Kyle Shanahan said that 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is off the injury report and will participate in the NFC Championship Game against the Lions on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/ccTrtlWdqL

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter), January 26, 2024
Why It Matters
Samuel’s inclusion in the lineup is critical for the 49ers, as he is an important part of their offensive scheme. His ability to contribute in both the passing and rushing games makes the 49ers’ attack more dynamic and unpredictable, which improves their performance against the Lions.

The Bottom Line: Samuel’s Return is a deciding factor.
With Deebo. With Samuel back in the mix, the San Francisco 49ers offense has a big advantage heading into the NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions. His dynamic playmaking skill complicates the 49ers’ offensive plan, making them a difficult opponent. As the 49ers and Lions prepare for a game with a Super Bowl berth on the line, Samuel’s presence on the field could tip the scales in favor of San Francisco. That being said, you can bet Lions head coach Dan Campbell will have his team prepared for Sunday’s battle!

READ MORE…….

Have the Lions ever won the Super Bowl? A (short) history of Detroit’s major game appearances

The Lions stand on the verge of history.

For the second time in team history, Detroit is competing in a conference championship. After winning two home playoff games against the Rams and the Buccaneers, Dan Campbell’s team is one win away from the Super Bowl.

You could argue that there has never been a more troubled NFL fan base than Detroit’s. While there is no disputing the city’s enthusiasm for their club, that intensity has not translated into success on the pitch.

But the 2023 Lions exude a distinct atmosphere. In just three years as head coach, Campbell has helped the organization turn a complete 180, and Detroit is one victory away from the championship game.

More: How many Super Bowls have the 49ers won?

Here’s more about the Lions’ limited Super Bowl history.

Lions’ Super Bowl history
When was the last time the Lions attended the Super Bowl?

Look away, Lions fans. You know the solution to this question.

Detroit is one of four NFL clubs that has never appeared in the Super Bowl. Despite being there throughout the entire Super Bowl era, the Lions have never won the championship game.

The franchise’s closest achievement is an NFC championship appearance, which has occurred twice in the Super Bowl era. Before this season, the Lions had only made it to the conference championship once, in 1992, when they were defeated 41-10 by eventual Super Bowl champion Washington.

How many Super Bowls did the Lions win?

You cannot win a Super Bowl if you have never played in one. The Lions are one of 12 NFL clubs with no Super Bowl wins in their history.

Despite the fact that Detroit has yet to win a Super Bowl, the team has won an NFL championship. Between 1935 and 1957, the Lions won four NFL championships prior to the Super Bowl.

The first Super Bowl was held in January 1967, hence Detroit’s achievements do not count as Super Bowl victories.

Longest Super Bowl appearance droughts.

With a victory over the 49ers, the Lions might end the league’s longest Super Bowl drought.

Detroit has never been to the Super Bowl. As a result, their run is now 57 years long, with a possibility to reach 58 if the team fails to defeat San Francisco in the 2024 NFC championship game.

The Lions are tied with the Browns in terms of never having appeared in a Super Bowl. (The Browns’ drought includes three years, from 1996 to 1998, when the franchise discontinued operations.)