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          49ers wideout Ray-Ray McCloud runs for 71-yard touchdown against Commanders

          • Nick Wagoner, ESPN Staff WriterDec 24, 2022, 05:20 PM ET
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              Nick Wagoner is an NFL reporter at ESPN. Nick has covered the San Francisco 49ers and the NFL at ESPN since 2016, having previously covered the St. Louis Rams for 12 years, including three years (2013 to 2015) at ESPN. In his 10 years with the company, Nick has led ESPN's coverage of the Niners' 2019 Super Bowl run, Colin Kaepernick's protest, the Rams making Michael Sam the first openly gay player drafted to the NFL, Sam's subsequent pursuit of a roster spot and the team's relocation and stadium saga. You can follow Nick via Twitter @nwagoner
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          SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- As wide receiver Deebo Samuel recovers from a sprained knee and ankle, San Francisco 49ers wideout Ray-Ray McCloud III has insisted to coach Kyle Shanahan that he can assume Samuel's responsibilities in the run game.

          McCloud hasn't had many opportunities to do that since Samuel suffered his injuries Dec. 11. But when he got a chance Saturday afternoon against the Washington Commanders, he made the most of it.

          In a scoreless game at San Francisco's 29-yard line, McCloud went in motion from left to right, took a handoff from quarterback Brock Purdy and raced off the right side. Spurred by strong downfield blocks from running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle and wideout Willie Snead IV, McCloud raced 71 yards for the touchdown.

          Kicker Robbie Gould's extra point made it 7-0 midway through the second quarter. The touchdown was McCloud's first career rushing score and his longest play from scrimmage in his five NFL seasons.