5 players who could cost 49ers horribly in 2024 NFL playoffs

No. 2: Wide receiver/return specialist Ray Ray McCloud

Sticking with special teams, Ray-Ray McCloud has been a solid returner for San Francisco. He doesn’t often break off huge returns, but he usually protects the ball and is smart with his efforts. He only had one fumble this season.

He came off injury and played Week 18 against the Rams, which was huge for him to knock off some rust after returning from injury. He had one big drop while playing wide receiver, but he looked fine with his returns.

Most 49ers fans would agree it was a welcome sight to see him out there instead of rookie Ronnie Bell, who has had some struggles both as a receiver and as a returner this season.

But we all know that a muffed punt can have a sizable impact on a 49ers playoff game. Just ask poor Kyle Williams whose muffed punt against the New York Giants in the 2012 NFC Championship may have prevented the 49ers from getting to the Super Bowl.

We can only hope that the time off due to injury does not impact McCloud’s ability to hold onto the football in the postseason.