Lockett Becomes 4th Rookie to Score on Punt Return in 1st Quarter of Week 1 Game

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett carried his success from the preseason into Sunday's 34-31 loss to the St. Louis Rams, becoming just the fourth rookie in NFL history to return a punt for a touchdown in the first quarter of a Week 1 game, per Elias Sports Bureau (via ESPN.com).

Lockett, a third-round selection out of Kansas State, joins George Atkinson of the Oakland Raiders (1968), Deion Sanders of the Atlanta Falcons (1989) and Dale Carter of the Kansas City Chiefs (1992), each of whom made at least two Pro Bowls and played 11 or more NFL seasons.

The former KSU Wildcat previously showed off his big-play potential during the preseason, scoring three touchdowns of 60-plus yards, including two on special teams, per ESPN.com.

He then scored on a 57-yard punt return with four minutes and 31 seconds remaining in the first quarter of Sunday's game, providing the first points in what turned into a surprisingly high-scoring affair.

Sunday's touchdown wasn't quite as impressive as this return against the San Diego Chargers during the preseason, but Lockett did pull off an ankle-breaking juke on Rams punter Johnny Hekker.

Lockett also caught all four of his targets while working as the No. 3 wide receiver, though he only managed 34 yards from the quartet of receptions.

Of course, even if he's only a complementary piece on offense, it appears the 22-year-old rookie will provide excellent value for his draft spot via his work in the return game.