SEATTLE – After falling behind by 20 points midway through the third quarter, the Seattle Seahawks needed a quick response to keep the San Francisco 49ers within reach.

Laviska Shenault Jr. provided the quickest response possible.

Shenault’s 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown cut the 49ers’ lead to 23-10 and breathed life into the crowd at Lumen Field, who were sensing another crushing loss to San Francisco. That made up for Shenault’s fumble on a kickoff return that led to a 49ers field goal.

LAVISKA SHENAULT RETURNS 97 YARDS FOR KICKOFF.#SFvsSEA on Prime Video
Will continue to stream #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/XGdV5mVdOP

– NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2024

According to ESPN Research, Shenault joined former Seahawk DeeJay Dallas, now with the Arizona Cardinals, as the only players to return a kickoff for a touchdown since the NFL overhauled the game at the start of the season.

It is the Seahawks’ first kickoff return for a touchdown since Travis Homers in 2021 and the longest since Tyler Lockett had a 99-yard return for a touchdown in 2017.

After forcing a 49ers punt on the possession, Geno Smith led the Seahawks on a 94-yard drive that Kenneth Walker III finished with a touchdown run. That cut San Francisco’s lead to 23-17.