The punt return game is not something that gets a great deal of attention, but the San Francisco 49ers' lack of consistency in that area without Ray-Ray McCloud has been clear for all to see over the last five games.
But as they approach the postseason, the 49ers can look forward to having their specialist returner back in the fold after Kyle Shanahan confirmed he would be activated back to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale with the Los Angeles Rams after San Francisco designated him to return following a rib injury.
McCloud is listed as questionable for a meaningless Week 18 matchup, which will give him chance to get back into the swing of things after a considerable absence.
49ers injury report
Injury report observations
McCloud's return will allow him to reassume both kick and punt return duties. Deebo Samuel had been handling the latter while Ronnie Bell had struggled to inspire confidence catching and running back punts.
But there is no indication as yet whether the 49ers will activate fellow receiver Danny Gray, who has not played all year because of a shoulder issue. With McCloud handling the return duties, right now the most likely outcome would appear to be Gray landing on season-ending injured reserve.
Another wide receiver, Jauan Jennings, is also questionable and remains in the concussion protocol having missed two games with his head injury. Swing tackle Jaylon Moore has cleared protocol and does not have an injury designation. He will likely play the majority of snaps at left tackle once All-Pro Trent Williams leaves the game.
If Jennings can't go, that would leave the 49ers light at receiver for a game in which they would surely like to remove Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk early. Without Jennings, the load would fall on McCloud, Bell and veteran Chris Conley when the starters make their exit.
Versatile veteran interior offensive lineman Jon Feliciano has ascended to the role of starter in recent weeks. However, after two successive days listed as limited, the 49ers may keep him on the bench.
They can feel confident in taking such a decision after starting left guard Aaron Banks, who only played sparingly on special teams last week, practiced in full for a third straight day. Feliciano played on the left against the Washington Commanders, but the Niners can now get Banks some extended playing time ahead of the postseason and have Spencer Burford man the right guard spot, as he has done for most of the year, if they do decide to rest Feliciano.
Though Feliciano may watch from the sideline, he will be in uniform, as San Francisco's seven inactives are already set in stone.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan had previously confirmed starting quarterback Brock Purdy would sit out the game but be listed as the third emergency QB on the inactives list. With six other players out through injury, the 49ers head coach does not have any further calls to make in that regard.
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