The 49ers didn’t release an official injury report for Tuesday’s practice, but one key defender was back on the field for the 49ers. Reporters on site at the team facility noted strong safety Jaquiski Tartt was in a blue non-contact jersey during the open portion of the team’s practice.
Tuesday was Tartt’s first practice since breaking a rib in the 49ers’ Week 13 loss to the Ravens. There was no word on the extent of his participation since the 49ers didn’t have to release a participation report.
San Francisco has badly missed Tartt in the secondary. His ability to play both safety spots at a high level allows the 49ers to do things in coverage they can’t do with Marcell Harris in the game. Tartt is also in his fifth season while Harris has only seen limited action in two years.
There are bigger issues with the 49ers’ defense than just their safety play, but the loss to the Falcons came as a direct result of a mixup with Harris, and they’ve given up 35.3 points and 291 passing yards per game in Tartt’s absence.
It’s not a guarantee that Tartt suits up against the Seahawks, but his return to the lineup would provide much-needed help at a key position for a struggling pass defense.