Shanahan: 49ers S Talanoa Hufanga expected to make 2024 season debut Week 3
Sep 18, 2024, 2:07 PM | Updated: 2:08 pm
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Talanoa Hufanga #29 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts during an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
A return to gameday appears on the horizon for Talanoa Hufanga, now setting his sights on Inglewood this Sunday.
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan announced that the veteran safety will be a full participate at practice Wednesday, the first time he has done so this season. Should the team’s practice week go well for Hufanga, a 2024 season debut is expected against the Los Angeles Rams, his first NFL action in 10 months.
In fact, only wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf) was absent from practice Wednesday, making it a relatively clean bill of health for the Red & Gold.
Everyone but Deebo Samuel (calf) will practice in full capacity for the 49ers today — including Talanoa Hufanga for the first time since his torn ACL
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 18, 2024
“It got Tig [49ers S Ji’Ayir Brown] a lot of reps last year. He had to step in the middle of the year and it got him a lot better, but obviously always miss Huf out there,” Shanahan said about Talanoa Hufanga potentially returning to the lineup Wednesday. “The big-play capability, how well he communicates, flying sideline-to-sideline. We’re gonna be pumped. He should get back this week if everything goes right, and we’ve missed him.”
Hufanga, 25, is coming off a Week 11 ACL tear suffered against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. Before that, the versatile safety was a shining star for San Francisco, becoming an All-Pro in 2022. He has amassed 181 combined tackles, seven interceptions and 14 pass break-ups in 42 NFL games played.
THE RETURN OF TALANOA HUFANGA IS FINALLY HERE 🐅 pic.twitter.com/Bi6AHnYi7T
— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) September 18, 2024
Talanoa Hufanga & The San Francisco 49ers 2024 Schedule:
Regular Season
- Sunday, September 22nd – @ Los Angeles Rams – 1:25 pm PDT
- Sunday, September 29th vs. New England Patriots – 1:05 pm PDT
- Sunday, October 6th vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PDT
- Thursday, October 10th @ Seattle Seahawks [TNF] – 5:15 pm PDT
- Sunday, October 20th vs. Kansas City Chiefs [SB LVIII Rematch]– 1:25 pm PDT
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