[jwplayer XGQeKGws-ThvAeFxT]
Jason Verrett’s last outing with the 49ers was a disaster, and a season-ending knee injury didn’t afford him the opportunity to redeem himself. That opportunity could come Sunday at MetLife Stadium when the 49ers take on the New York Giants after cornerback Ahkello. Witherspoon struggled in Week 2 against the New York Jets.
Witherspoon against a hapless Jets squad allowed 81 yards and a touchdown on five completions while getting targeted by Jets quarterback Sam Darnold six times. It was not a good showing from the four-year veteran in his first start of the year replacing the injured Richard Sherman. The 49ers aren’t deep at corner, and Verrett serves as probably the only viable starting option aside from Witherspoon while Sherman nurses a calf ailment.
Verrett missed the first two games of the 2020 campaign with a hamstring injury he suffered in practice before the start of the season. Now he’s healthy and got strong praise Thursday from defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
“He’s been getting good reps. He looks really good. He feels really good. He’s saying all the right things. His vibe has been awesome,” Saleh told reporters in a video conference. “I’ve got to go in and watch the tape to see how today’s practice was exactly for him and obviously talk to Kyle about what the choices are and options are with regards to him on game day, but he looks good. If he can continue stacking up days, it’ll be a matter of time before he gets his opportunity.”
It’s not a lock that Verrett suits up, but signs are pointing to him being among San Francisco’s group of active players Sunday.
The last time Verrett was on the field for San Francisco was forgettable for the former first-round pick. He was the first cornerback off the bench last season when Ahkello Witherspoon went down with a foot injury in Week 3 vs. the Steelers. The first pass thrown his way resulted in a 32-yard pass interference penalty. The second one was a 39-yard touchdown. He exited the game, went on Injured Reserve for the rest of the year, and re-signed with the 49ers this offseason.
Perhaps the 49ers have seen enough good performances from Witherspoon to stick with him while Sherman is out. That would mean Witherspoon gets at least two more starts with Sherman due to return after Week 4.
With the pass rush ailing though, the 49ers can’t afford to have too many lapses in their secondary. If Witherspoon struggles out of the gate against the Giants, don’t be surprised if Verrett gets a chance to redeem himself for his rough outing last year.
[lawrence-related id=661263]