Deebo Samuel’s first-quarter touchdown, on a perfectly executed hook and ladder to Mike Evans, proved crucial for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, as it was the difference in their 36-30 victory over Arizona.
It also earned Samuel a place in the NFL record books, although for a reason he probably won’t brag about.
Samuel was not credited with a catch on the play, which went to Evans (who later left the game with a rib injury.) But Samuel was credited with 80 receiving yards on the play due to Evans’ lateral to him.
The touchdown turned out to be the only time Samuel had the ball on a passing play. (Samuel had two carries for 14 yards and also returned four kicks.) It turns out that 80 receiving yards is the most ever for a player who didn’t record a reception.
A surprising number of players recorded receiving yards without recording a catch (although among the top 20 scores, Samuel was one of only three to have happened this century). The previous record for receiving yards without a catch was 65, set by Timmy Brown of the Eagles in 1961.
Deebo’s 80 yards puts him comfortably at the top of the list.
Samuel will likely have plenty of chances to record a catch next week against the Broncos. The 49ers are hemorrhaging. Already without Ricky Pearsall for the season, the 49ers have now lost WR Christian Kirk, TE Jake Tonges, WR De’Zhaun Stribling, WR Demarcus Robinson and now possibly Evans since training camp.
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