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    49ers' Shanahan: Johnathan Abram Twisting Deebo Samuel's Leg 'Pissed Our Team Off'

    Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJanuary 15, 2023

    Seattle Seahawks safety Johnathan Abram (23) tackles San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)
    AP Photo/Josie Lepe

    San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said his team was infuriated after Seattle Seahawks safety Johnathan Abram twisted wide receiver Deebo Samuel's left ankle after a play early in the third quarter of the 49ers' 41-23 NFC Wild Card round win Saturday.

    95.7 The Game @957thegame

    "I think that pissed a lot of people off. I think that pissed our team off and I think you could feel our team react to that."<br><br>Kyle Shanahan on Johnathan Abram pulling at Deebo Samuel's ankle. 😤 <a href="https://t.co/uQF0Iw6LZR">pic.twitter.com/uQF0Iw6LZR</a>

    The incident in question occurred after Samuel caught a 21-yard pass to set the 49ers up with 1st-and-10 at the Seahawks' 16-yard line and his team down 17-16.

    FOX Sports: NFL @NFLonFOX

    Deebo wanted a flag after this play. <br><br>📺: FOX <a href="https://t.co/o4Dr5kM2Xp">pic.twitter.com/o4Dr5kM2Xp</a>

    The 49ers took exception to what happened on behalf of their teammate:

    FOX Sports: NFL @NFLonFOX

    The 49ers and Seahawks are chippy on the field after Deebo's catch. <a href="https://t.co/sCueo98UZ5">pic.twitter.com/sCueo98UZ5</a>

    Samuel talked about what happened with reporters afterward.

    Tracy Sandler @49ersfangirl

    Deebo Samuel said part of the reason he stayed down after the ankle-twisting was to regain his composure. He was not happy. <a href="https://t.co/a45fey5IT8">pic.twitter.com/a45fey5IT8</a>

    49ers on NBCS @NBCS49ers

    "You can see the definition of our team, IGYB ... I got your back"<br><br>Deebo discusses the 49ers' emotional response to Johnathan Abram grabbing onto his leg <a href="https://t.co/NE1QkeDY50">pic.twitter.com/NE1QkeDY50</a>

    The four-year NFL veteran notably suffered a left MCL sprain and left ankle sprain during the 49ers' 35-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 11.

    He missed the remainder of that game and the next three contests before getting back into the lineup on Jan. 8 against the Arizona Cardinals.

    After the ankle-twisting incident, San Francisco scored 25 unanswered points to take a 41-17 lead before Seattle added a late garbage-time touchdown.

    Samuel led the 49ers with 165 yards from scrimmage, including 74 on a touchdown catch that put his team up 37-17.

    49ers' Shanahan: Johnathan Abram Twisting Deebo Samuel's Leg 'Pissed Our Team Off'
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    San Francisco 49ers @49ers

    THERE GOES DEEBO 💨 <a href="https://twitter.com/19problemz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@19problemz</a><br><br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SEAvsSF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SEAvsSF</a> on FOX<br>📱 NFL+ // <a href="https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh">https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh</a> <a href="https://t.co/yumOPhJ5mi">pic.twitter.com/yumOPhJ5mi</a>

    The 49ers will now host a to-be-determined opponent during the NFC Divisional round next weekend. That team will be the Minnesota Vikings if they beat the New York Giants on Sunday in the playoffs.

    If the Giants win, then the 49ers will host the victor of Monday night's Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers playoff game.