49ers news: Isaac Guerendo is the leader for kick returner in Week 1

Coming in with nearly 70 percent of the vote, 49ers fans want Isaac Guerendo to be the primary kick returner following his flash during the final preseason game against the Raiders. Guerendo was dealing with a groin issue, which was aggravated during that game, but is on track to play Monday night against the Jets following a full practice on Saturday.

When the question was posed to our readers, Jordan Mason was listed as the kick returner on the depth chart. Christian McCaffrey is dealing with a Calf/Achilles injury, and a smart strategy would be to limit McCaffrey’s workload with Mason as the change of pace back.

That strategy is in play possibly, but now Mason won’t be asked to return kicks and can avoid extra contact. Guerendo has a higher ceiling as a returner with his game-breaking speed.

In a game that could be a defensive struggle, kick returns could be a critical piece to a victory. The Jets’ run defense is susceptible to the run, and McCaffrey and Mason can open up the offense and apply pressure to the Jets’ run defense.

An interesting idea is Deebo Samuel as a kick returner in specific situations. If the 49ers need a shot in the arm on offense, there is no better player equipped to deliver than Samuel. Samuel and McCaffrey are two of the best players in football with the ball in their hands, and Samuel could create an explosive play on a kickoff.

Mason finished with ten percent of the vote, behind Samuel with 11 percent. The “other” option finished with the other ten percent of the votes.

Heading into the season opener, 49ers fans are incredibly confident in the direction of the team, with 93 percent of fans voicing their confidence. Regardless of the offseason for the 49ers, the team is still loaded and primed for a deep run into January and a possible Super Bowl championship.