What we're learning from 2nd week of 49ers OTA practices
By Peter Panacy
![San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4764,h_2679,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/42/01h1t1xq1j1tbsyzr18m.jpg)
49ers Week 2 OTA takeaway No. 4: Deebo Samuel is back
It's important to note that OTAs aren't actually required, and players don't have to report unless they want to. Often, there are workout bonuses associated with OTAs, so players do. But they aren't mandatory like mandatory minicamp (the mandatory part is kind of important).
At any rate, All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel reportedly wasn't present for the first week of OTAs, which wasn't a big concern unless fans are wondering about his need to set a positive example.
Perhaps any criticisms of the like somehow convinced Samuel to show up for the second week, and he was seen here, courtesy of The Athletic's Matt Barrows:
There’s better attendance at today’s OTA, including a Deebo Samuel sighting pic.twitter.com/F878HuwH8h
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) May 31, 2023
Samuel likely didn't partake much in on-field drills, and one might assume he's not fully worried about participating much. A number of veterans, including linebacker Fred Warner, also aren't participating much either. If at all.
Still, it's good for the Niners' top players to at least be present during these voluntary practices.