There aren’t many lingering questions about what the San Francisco 49ers defense will look like in 2024.
They entered the offseason with only one major starting job open at cornerback. Beyond that the defense was mostly set. One big question mark was when strong safety Talanoa Hufanga would return from a torn ACL. That return appears more imminent following a doctor’s visit Thursday.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan after Friday’s practice told reporters Hufanga is ready to take the next step in his rehab and start making football-type movements in his workouts. That’s the step that precedes a return to practice.
This tracks with the original projection for Hufanga, who was expected to return at some point during camp. It’s unclear exactly how much time he’d need to get ready for Week 1, but if he can get a few weeks of practice in it may be enough to ensure he’s on the field for the opener against the New York Jets.
On the other hand, the 49ers have enough depth at safety that they don’t need to rush it. George Odum has started alongside Ji’Ayir Brown in camp and done so admirably. San Francisco is in a spot where they can comfortably start Odum for a week or two if they think Hufanga needs that time to get back into playing shape.
Ultimately this is good news for Hufanga and the 49ers after he tore his ACL in Week 11 last season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was an All-Pro in 2022 and on track for another strong year in 2023 before his injury. Having him back in the secondary will give the 49ers a couple of playmakers in the back end who should help elevate San Francisco’s defense.
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