6 49ers returning from injury could play key roles in 2020

The 49ers handled their injuries well, but they had a ton of good players finish the year on Injured Reserve.

WR Jalen Hurd

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Hurd’s first preseason game was electric. The 2019 third-round pick scored two touchdowns, both of which displayed the vast skill set that made him such an exciting prospect in the 49ers’ offense. He ran through a defender at the goal line on his first score, then high-pointed a fade route for his second score. He hurt his back leading up to the second preseason game though and wound up missing the season. Hurd has a chance to be a dynamic tight end-receiver-running back hybrid that’s used in a similar vein to Deebo Samuel, but with perhaps more upside as a runner given his background as a college running back. The future for Hurd is still exciting despite injuries derailing his rookie year.