Shenault bounces back from a first-half fumble, delivering a thrilling third-quarter touchdown for the Seahawks
The NFL’s new “dynamic kickoff” rule hasn’t quite met expectations, but Shenault Jr. of the Seattle Seahawks showed its potential in their Week 6 win against the San Francisco 49ers.
After the 49ers extended their lead by 20 points in the third quarter, Shenault responded with a 97-yard kickoff return, marking only the second kick return touchdown this season.
This was Shenault’s redemption, as earlier in the second quarter, he fumbled on a kickoff. That led to a 49ers field goal.
Falling behind by 20 points, the Seahawks needed a quick response. Shenault delivered, cutting the 49ers’ lead to 23-10 and re-energizing Lumen Field. His touchdown also helped make up for the earlier fumble, which had led to a 49ers field goal.
According to ESPN Research, Shenault joins DeeJay Dallas, now with the Cardinals, as the only players to score a kickoff return touchdown since the NFL updated the rules.
The Seahawks signed Laviska Shenault Jr. on April 2, 2024. Initially picked 42nd overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2020 NFL Draft, Shenault spent two seasons there before moving to the Carolina Panthers.
Shenault, now 25, played college football for the University of Colorado. He was a standout second-round pick for the Jaguars in 2020, recording over 600 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, with five touchdowns and 121 receptions.
In 2022, Shenault was traded to the Panthers, where he played a hybrid role, contributing as both a receiver and a running back, adding depth to their offensive lineup.
In an attempt to revitalize the kickoff play and reduce touchbacks and injuries, the NFL changed its kickoff rules for the 2024 season.
In Week 1, DeeJay Dallas of the Cardinals lit up the field with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Dodging three tackles at the 40-yard line, he sprinted toward the end zone, diving past kicker Tyler Bass for the score.
The Bills, leading 31-20 with just under nine minutes left, paid the price for their deep kick. Following the touchdown, James Conner’s two-point conversion narrowed the score to 31-28.
For Dallas, it was his first-ever career kickoff return touchdown, despite his experience in returning kicks across his NFL seasons.
Image Credit: © Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
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