San Francisco 49ers: 5 biggest special teams questions in 2017
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Who Handles Return Duties in 2017?
As is usually the case every offseason, the 49ers have a number of choices in the return game in 2017.
JaCorery Shepherd is no longer in the picture, so there’s a void in kick returns. Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley had two returns last year, so he’s a possible option.
Kerley is also an option in punt returns as well, although the Niners may want to save him for offensive duties. He was the team’s leading receiver last year with 667 yards.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, reporting from OTAs, gave a brief breakdown on who was handling punts at practice — wide receivers Kerley, DeAndre Carter, Trent Taylor, Marquise Goodwin and Victor Bolden.
Goodwin is in the same boat as Kerley; someone the 49ers might want to keep safe for offensive production.
That leaves the rookie, Taylor.
Taylor probably won’t pass over Kerley on the team’s depth chart this season at slot receiver. But the Niners would love to see him offer something in 2017.