Early in Reggie Bush’s NFL career, he returned punts in addition to his offensive duties and he showed a knack for it while returning four punts for touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Saints.
Bush continued returning punts through the end of his tenure in New Orleans, but six 2011 opportunities with the Dolphins are the last time he’s been seen in that role. Bush signed with the 49ers this offseason and he may get a chance to turn back the clock. Bush was fielding punts at Thursday’s practice and said it was his idea to get back on special teams.
“It was my idea,” Bush said, via CSNBayArea.com. “I told the coaches I wanted to return punts again. And they were excited about it. We’re still working at it, still chipping away. And we look forward to being an all-around great special teams.”
Bush said he didn’t think he’d “gotten rusty” after several years of leaving punt return duties to other players and that he’s looking forward to having another avenue to getting the ball in his hands.
Carlos Hyde is expected to be the No. 1 back for the Niners this year, leaving Bush and Kendall Hunter to pick up complementary touches out of the backfield. However that works out for Bush, returning punts would offer him another chance for him to impact games and for the 49ers to maximize their return on investment in Bush’s services.