WATCH: Deebo Samuel throws touchdown pass against Rams

A touchdown pass was the only way San Francisco receiver Deebo Samuel hadn’t scored this season entering Sunday against the Rams. That would soon change, as Samuel found Jauan Jennings for a 24-yard score in the third quarter.

Not only was the touchdown pass an impressive milestone for Deebo Samuel, but it also tied the game at 17. It was the second score of the day for the third-year player, who also had a 16-yard run earlier in the quarter.

Deebo Samuel:

WR1 ✅
RB1 ✅
QB1 ✅
pic.twitter.com/hEa3CREraa

— PFF (@PFF) January 9, 2022

Ironically, the only way the receiver hasn’t scored Sunday is by catching a touchdown. Should he catch one before the game is over, he would become just the fourth player since the NFL merger in 1970 to achieve that unique form a hat trick.

Samuel has been used all over the field this season. With his touchdown run Sunday, he now has eight on the year, the most on the team. He is set to become the first receiver to lead his team in rushing touchdowns since the merger.

He entered the game with 320 yards rushing on the year. He also leads the 49ers in receiving with 1,310 yards and six touchdowns.

Having a role in the backfield is nothing new for Samuel. As a rookie in 2019, the South Carolina product scored three rushing touchdowns. He had seven rushing touchdowns with the Gamecocks, including six as a sophomore in 2016.

Samuel’s performance is a big part of the reason San Francisco has a chance to make the playoffs this season. If the 49ers defeat the Rams, they are locked into the sixth seed in the NFC. If they lose, they can still make the postseason, though it gets more complicated.

If the New Orleans Saints lose to Atlanta, then San Francisco would still be in the sixth spot. However, if New Orleans wins and the 49ers lose, the offseason will begin.