SANTA CLARA -- Many players are hesitant when coming back from ACL injuries. A few are like JaCorey Shepherd.
"When I get that ball, I’m not scared of anybody," Shepherd said this week. "I feel like I can make you miss or I can outrun you.”
Going into Sunday's game, Shepherd was unknown to even the most ardent 49ers fans. But he began turning heads with three, fearless kickoff returns that averaged 34.7 yards. The 49ers' previous average on kickoffs -- which had been a good time to get a beer or use the restroom -- had been a lowly 17.