Safety Talanoa Hufanga has officially returned to practice as he continues his recovery from the ACL injury he sustained in November 2023. With a goal of becoming a key contributor in the San Francisco 49ers' championship pursuit, Hufanga is eager to rejoin the team.
Currently, Hufanga is being gradually eased back into practice. He is a limited participant, engaging in warmups and individual drills but not yet participating in team drills. The 49ers plan to reassess his progress next week and potentially increase his workload.
Talanoa Hufanga back at 49ers practice pic.twitter.com/I9cAYb81u9
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"He's working his way back," defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said after Thursday's practice. "It's just great to see him out there, to get pads on, and have a helmet on, and go through individual. Just really excited for him. He's really worked his butt off. Hearing how he's gone through this process, I'm not surprised, just because of who he is.
"I think everybody involved with it, but him primarily, the way that he worked to get back to this, it's exciting, and really happy for him."
Hufanga's return is a boost for the 49ers defense and the entire locker room.
"He's always positive," Sorensen shared. "He's a good dude, but he's also very smart, cerebral, always wanting to talk ball. And in the way that he plays, he's a violent player, too, and he cuts it loose. But as a person, yes, very positive."
Cornerback Charvarius Ward expressed his happiness at seeing Hufanga return, telling reporters, "Huf always brings the energy. Big smile, good personality, he's always dancing. He turns our swag up a little bit, so I'm definitely happy to have Huf back, for sure."
Sorensen noted that Hufanga had clear goals and worked diligently toward them over the past few months.
"So that's why I feel like I'm not surprised just because of who he is," he added. "And when you set goals and you hit those check marks along the way, then it can happen."
While Hufanga aims to be ready for Week 1, the 49ers are cautious about his return. They prioritize the defensive back's long-term health to ensure he can make a significant impact this season.
"We're going to be judicious, going to be smart," general manager John Lynch said this week. "He's done a fabulous job with his rehab, and he's been doing everything he can to the side. ... Will he be ready Week 1? Not sure. I think it's going to be tight, but I think it's telling that we made the decision not to keep him on PUP, bring him off, and we expect him somewhere early in the season.
"So, real proud of Huf and his progress. He makes us a better team, so it'll be great to have him."
