The San Francisco 49ers' seventh-round NFL Draft selection of Montana wide receiver Junior Bergen mostly flew under the radar, especially among non-Niners fans who likely never heard of the small-school specialist.
But, special teams coordinator Brant Boyer made it clear he was enamored with Bergen's abilities as a return specialist, which San Francisco largely neglected for years under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Well, until now, at least.
Granted, Bergen still has a long way to go to make the 53-man roster, and despite the 49ers' shortages at wide receiver because of injury, the lone way the rookie will survive cuts is to make his statement on special teams in the return game.
Fortunately for the first-year receiver, the opening impressions during preseason Week 1 against the Denver Broncos are trending that way.
Junior Bergen has dynamic punt return on 1st attempt of 2025 preseason
With the Niners hosting the Denver Broncos to open up both teams' exhibition period, Denver was forced to punt late in the first quarter.
Bergen back to receive the boot, what happened next was an explosive 28-yard return that set up San Francisco's offense in great position.
Unfortunately, the 49ers weren't able to capitalize on the improved field position, but that won't stop fans from thinking how their team's longstanding special teams and return woes may have potentially evaporated.
All it takes to acknowledge Bergen's eight punt returns for touchdowns in college.
The Niners haven't had a punt or kick returned for a touchdown since wide receiver Richie James did it in 2018 against the Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco's average starting field position a year ago was its own 29.2-yard line, 24th in the league.
Bergen might still have a ways before securing the primary return specialist job.
But, so far, so good.
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