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In the NFL, it’s always about “how much you can do,” and Deebo Samuel is proving he can do it all.
In the 49ers’ 28-16 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, Samuel returned to kickoff for the club for the second game in a row. Coach Kyle Shanahan spoke Monday via conference call about the decision to have his player on the field for one of the most dangerous games in football.
“We have to do that risk-reward every week,” Shanahan said. “We decided to do it two weeks ago, and we will make that decision every week going forward.”
After the Philadelphia Eagles’ first drive in Week 13, the All-Pro receiver burst onto the field to receive the kickoff. Samuel caught the ball in the end zone and took the ball 35 yards, out to the 27 yard line.
The change of personnel seemed to be normal with the return of the club Ray-Ray McCloud who was out with a back injury. Samuel, who has returned kickoffs in the past, recorded a 28-yarder on his second attempt midway through the third quarter.
The team’s starting pitcher Ronnie Bell stepped up to replace McCloud.
“It’s not just a decision that Ray-Ray McCloud is leaving,” Shanahan said. “It was also a decision we thought to go with, no matter what. Nothing against Ray-Ray or anyone, it’s just that there are many ways to get a particular player, like Deebo, the ball in his hands.
In his All-Pro season in 2021, Samuel recorded three kickoffs for 75 yards in the regular season and an additional 85 yards in the game. One year later, the “wide-back” rejoined kickoff duties during the club’s 2022 season, registering two returns for 65 yards.
There is no doubt that Samuel has a knack for rebounding. In the playoffs, the All-Pro has a 25-yard-per-return average, which is slightly lower than his 25.3 career regular-season average.
McCloud will remain on injured reserve for at least three more games with multiple rib injuries, allowing him to return to the club’s regular season game in Week 17 when Los Angeles visits. Angeles Rams at Levis’ Stadium.
Until then, Shanahan is confident that Samuel will return from the club.
“Apparently,” Shanahan said.
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