Main reason Ellington came on to PR that time was the bizarre choice by the Vikings to accept the 5 yard penalty and punt again. Hayne had just caught a punt and made a tough 10yd return. Rather than have him on there puffing, they put on a fresh PR. Not that it would have worn Hayne out doing 1 catch / 10 yd return - but it was good coaching to put out someone fresh & different in that situation.
Hayne stuffed up by trying to make that catch. No doubt he will do it again.
I'd be more concerned about the charged down FG and massive return off that blunder than a bad choice about whether to catch or let it bounce.
It is critical to get every ST play right. No excuses for f**king these up in the NFL. The field position consequences on f**ked up ST plays are huge. The botched FG attempt Was bad. Haynes TO was bad. Niners lucky the Vikes couldn't capitalise. They'd be reamed if this game were against SEA or GB.
In Haynes case, he needs to be careful. Yes, we know what he can do in pre season, but if the coaches can't trust him to make the right call when fielding a punt, then he will see his opportunities evaporate. It's the proper season now. Mistakes can be the difference between a Win and a loss, and in the NFL, every win is crucial. There are few games to accumulate them, and due to the tie breaking procedures in use in the NFL, who you beat can be critical in advancing to playoffs.....division records, common opponents, and head to head games, etc.
for and against doesn't mean shit in the NFL. Just one loss against the wrong opponent can end the season.