NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that former South Carolina football star is set to return to play for the San Francisco 49ers. He missed last week’s game due to a calf injury and is listed as questionable on the team’s official injury report. However, according to Schultz, the talented playmaker intends to return despite this designation.
In the first two games of the season, he recorded 13 receptions for 164 yards, along with a rushing touchdown and 10 first downs. His performance has been strong at the start of the 2024 campaign, and with his return, he will aim for another Pro Bowl selection. With star running back Christian McCaffrey sidelined, Samuel’s role is expected to be significant, provided he can manage his physical condition. During his time at South Carolina, he was one of the most electrifying players ever to wear the garnet and black uniform.
Samuel holds the career record for the most kickoff returns for touchdowns in the program’s history. In 2017, he scored on both of his kickoff return opportunities, and he is the only player in South Carolina history to have a kickoff return touchdown in three different seasons. He found the end zone once on special teams in 2016, twice in 2017, and once more in 2018. Remarkably, his four kickoff return touchdowns came from just 26 total return attempts, giving him a better than 15% chance of scoring a touchdown on a return between November 19, 2016, and November 3, 2018.
As a receiver, Samuel was equally impressive. He ranks in the top 11 among Gamecocks in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, despite playing in fewer games than every player ahead of him on those lists, except for Sidney Rice. Demonstrating his versatility, the Palmetto State native also scored seven rushing touchdowns on just 25 carries and even threw for two touchdown passes.
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