# Will Deebo Samuel play running back and return kicks for the 49ers in 2026?

Yes, absolutely. The 49ers plan to use Deebo Samuel as a multi-role weapon in 2026 — lining him up at **wide receiver, running back, and kick returner**. GM John Lynch confirmed he'll be "used all over the field" in a role that mirrors Samuel's 2021 All-Pro season, when he carried the ball 59 times to go with 99 catches for 1,405 yards (from the **Deebo Samuel Sr.** page). 

The timing works perfectly too — with Ricky Pearsall on season-ending IR, Samuel steps in as the WR2 behind Mike Evans, but Shanahan's offense will get him touches out of the backfield and on special teams as well. He's already fluent in the playbook from his 2019–2024 tenure, so there's no learning curve.

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Answered 2026-08-02 by ChatFFB — fantasy football answers from a live news wiki.
Source: https://chatffb.com/ask/will-deebo-samuel-play-running-back-and-return-kicks-for-the-49ers-in