49ers All-Pro starter 'has chance' to return to secondary in Week 2

kyle madson

Tue, Sep 10, 2024, 10:30 PM·1 min read

Oct 23, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers defense was stellar in their regular-season opener. They could be on track to improve in Week 2.

Strong safety Talanoa Hufanga missed the 49ers' 32-19 win over the New York Jets as he continues recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in Week 11 last season. Hufanga was listed as 'doubtful' for the opener after getting a full week of limited practices.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan in a conference call on Tuesday told reporters Hufanga's return could be imminent when the 49ers visit the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

"Huf got to practice a lot last week," Shanahan said. "We'll continue to work him into that. He has a chance for this week, but we won't make that decision until later in the week."

It wouldn't be a surprise if the 49ers hold Hufanga out another week with a road game coming up on turf. However, if the 49ers are circling his return based on the playing surface, San Francisco would have to wait until they have a home game in Week 4 to bring back their All-Pro safety.

Chances are they'll put him back in the lineup once he's healthy and ready to play. If he's getting full practices in the lead up to Week 2, it would bode well for his chances to suit up. If he remains limited all week it would likely be a sign that his ramp up will continue and his return will be delayed.

The 49ers' first practice participation report will come out Wednesday and give us a good idea of what direction Hufanga is trending.