49ers roster: 3 players who benefit from Deebo Samuel skipping OTAs

To no one’s surprise, Deebo Samuel won’t be attending 49ers organized team activities, meaning extra reps will likely go to these three players.

Phase 3 of the San Francisco 49ers’ 2022 offseason program began on Monday, May 23, with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad kicking off organized team activities.

Otherwise known as OTAs.

To no one’s surprise, All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel won’t be in attendance as he continues his standoff against the Niners in light of extension talks and other behind-the-scenes factors.

Players aren’t necessarily required to attend OTAs, and the fines won’t start rolling in until mandatory minicamp, which will be the next portion of San Francisco’s offseason program following this nine-practice session.

In an ideal world, the 49ers would have Samuel partaking, especially with the necessity of him developing a bigger rapport with soon-to-be-starting quarterback Trey Lance, who’ll need all the weaponry around him he can get.

However, Samuel’s absence does open up the door for other players to see an increase in field time.

There are players who stand to benefit from Samuel being out of the picture, at least currently, and it’s likely a few will be asked to step into a bigger limelight en route to potentially receiving more attention from head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co.

Considering the Niners have 12 receivers on their 90-man offseason roster but will likely keep no more than six on the active 53-man roster during the regular season, this is important.

Let’s take a look at three specific players who’ll benefit from Samuel being away.