San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga has returned to full participation in practice for the first time since suffering a knee ligament tear last November. This development suggests he may be ready to play in a game this week. The injury occurred during a match against Tampa Bay on Nov. 19 last year, causing him to sit out the remainder of the season. Hufanga was on the physically unable to perform list during training camp but was activated when the Niners finalized their 53-player roster on Aug. 27. After being limited in practice for the past two weeks and missing the first two games of the season, he is expected to make his season debut against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday, pending any setbacks this week, providing a much-needed boost for the team.

Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed excitement about Hufanga’s potential return, noting his playmaking abilities, communication skills, and overall impact on the team’s defense. Drafted in the fifth round by San Francisco in 2021, Hufanga initially played on special teams before transitioning to the defense late in his rookie season. He earned All-Pro honors in his second season and was performing at a high level last year before his injury, tallying three interceptions and 52 tackles.

The absence of Hufanga affected the Niners’ defense post-injury, resulting in a regression with increased points and yards allowed per game. Linebacker Fred Warner emphasized the leadership Hufanga provides in the defense, particularly in making calls and ensuring alignment in the backfield. With Hufanga’s potential return, the team anticipates a positive impact on the defensive side.

However, as the defense may receive reinforcement, the offense faces challenges with the absence of key players. All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey was placed on injured reserve due to Achilles’ tendinitis, while star receiver Deebo Samuel is set to miss a couple of weeks with a calf strain. Defensive end Nick Bosa emphasized the need for all players to step up to compensate for these significant absences, highlighting the importance of playing cohesive football across all units.

The upcoming game will mark the first time the 49ers play without both McCaffrey and Samuel since a Week 13 loss in 2021. McCaffrey and Samuel are recognized as versatile offensive players, with McCaffrey excelling as a receiving option out of the backfield and Samuel as a traditional running back, their absence is likely to impact the team’s offensive strategy. Despite this setback, Coach Shanahan remains confident in the team’s depth and ability to adjust to the missing playmakers.