Deebo Samuel is back, scores TD as 49ers lead Bengals

The 49ers have to be happy Deebo Samuel is back in the lineup versus the Bengals, as he’s the first player to find the end zone in Week 14.

The San Francisco 49ers sure have to be thrilled wide receiver Deebo Samuel, head coach Kyle Shanahan’s all-purpose offensive weapon, is back after missing last week with a groin injury.

And the Niners didn’t hesitate putting him to a good use during their Week 14 road bout against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Samuel, who is still one of the league’s leading pass-catchers and entered the game with an NFL-leading 14.9 yards per touch, has seen his use focus more on his ability to run the ball more than as a pure receiver.

With San Francisco missing No. 1 running back Elijah Mitchell (concussion) for the game, having Samuel carry the load on the ground was going to be vital.

Deebo Samuel scores impressive touchdown, gives 49ers lead over Bengals

It’s no surprise the 49ers offense runs through Samuel, even if it’s on the ground, and that’s precisely what Shanahan called for early in the second quarter with the score tied at three apiece.

Samuel got the handoff and executed a quality 27-run down the sidelines for a Niners touchdown:

That score put San Francisco up 10-3 in a game that carries serious implications for both teams in the NFL playoff picture.

Samuel entered Week 14 with 1,209 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns, split evenly between five through the air and another five on the ground.

Read More: 49ers vs. Bengals: Week 14 betting odds, how to watch

Currently, in the middle of the second quarter and with the 49ers clinging to a one-score lead, Samuel already has 33 yards rushing on four attempts with his 11 score of the year.

Considering Cincy has done a good job limiting the Niners’ regular rushing attack from a depleted running back room, it’s surely refreshing to know Samuel has already made an impact.

He’ll need to continue that if San Francisco wants to keep its lead healthy.