Brock Purdy found life very difficult against the Green Bay Packers for much of the San Francisco 49ers' thrilling divisional round win, with his struggles exacerbated by an early injury to Deebo Samuel, whose status for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions remains unclear.

Purdy appeared inaccurate and out of rhythm in the rain at Levi's Stadium, but was able to find his best on the final drive to lead the Niners to a 24-21 victory and move them one step closer to the Super Bowl. 

He might have enjoyed an easier time in last Saturday's contest had Samuel not left in the first half with a shoulder injury. 

Samuel had two receptions for 24 yards in his time on the field, and it was quickly evident that the NFL's best running wide receiver was supposed to be a huge part of the gameplan.

Having avoided a fracture in his shoulder, there is hope Samuel will be able to play against the Lions. However, reportedly still in pain, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Samuel would not practice on Wednesday, leaving it a distinct possibility that Purdy could be without a weapon he ranks above all others.

Asked how important it would be to have Samuel on the field, Purdy replied:

"It's huge. I think he's probably the best playmaker in this league, you get the ball in his hands, he can do whatever he wants, makes guys miss, breaks tackles, he's strong, he's tough, he's got grit and we all feed off it. Deebo definitely gives us some juice and energy and momentum on our offense. 

"If he's not playing that's obviously tough on us, but we'll have guys to be able to play as well that can create that as well. We'd love for Deebo to play."

One of the players who will look to have a decisive impact regardless of whether Samuel can play is fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk, who led the 49ers in receiving for the second successive regular season.

Second-team All-Pro Aiyuk anticipates Samuel being involved, though he knows the burden on the entire wide receiver room will substantially increase if that proves not to be the case.

"I do, personally," Aiyuk said when asked if he expects Samuel to play. "But just continue to pray for him that he gets better throughout the week and be out there with us to finish the job.

"It's a group effort when guys go down so I think the whole entire unit has to elevate and step up if that's the case."

Kyle Shanahan provides mixed update on Deebo Samuel status

It’s still up in the air.