Why Shanahan prefers Deebo to perform kick returns for the 49ers.

It is unlikely that Deebo Samuel will give up his kick-return duties when regular Ray-Ray McCloud returns from a rib injury that has kept him out of the last two games.

Throughout McCloud’s absence, Samuel has returned multiple kickoffs in each game, averaging an amazing 25.5 yards per return on four occasions.

On “49ers Game Plan,” a segment of NBC Sports Bay Area, coach Kyle Shanahan discussed why he chose to use Samuel’s extraordinarily special skill set on special teams and why he doesn’t intend to stop using it even after McCloud returns.

“These are the final few weeks. I’m not sure if it will last forever; I believe it will involve making somewhat rash decisions,” Shanahan confided in Papa. “However, Deebo has amazing ball skills. It’s in his ability to run. He poses a risk to lead it. He is unique at it, in my opinion. It’s difficult not to give a special guy more chances when you do have him. I like to put him back at random, like in a playoff game. However, you won’t be able to fully utilize your talent if you only get occasional opportunities.”

Although Shanahan is aware of the increased risk of injury that comes with putting Samuel in danger while on special teams duty, the 49ers coach gave an explanation for why he still rolls Samuel out to run back kicks.

“I would hate to get him hurt on a kickoff, just like I’d hate to get him hurt on a run play that’s not to him, with him blocking or anything,” Shanahan said. Though he is such a unique player, you have to consider that risk occasionally. I am aware of his intense desire to complete the task, and it is something we will continue to discuss here, particularly in the coming months.”

During his time at the University of South Carolina, Samuel was a highly productive kick returner, averaging 29 yards per return and scoring four touchdowns on 42 kickoff return attempts.

The All-Pro gave the 49ers’ historic NFC Divisional Round victory over the Green Bay Packers in January 2022 a huge boost on special teams. He revived a lifeless offense by returning the opening kickoff of the second half for 45 yards.

Throughout his NFL career, Samuel has returned 13 kickoffs, averaging 25.2 yards per return. Postseason play has been the setting for six of those efforts. Shanahan’s remarks to Papa suggest that the 49ers won’t be shocked if the All-Pro is used on special teams during the playoffs as they try to win the title that has eluded them for almost thirty years.