San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga is poised to make his season debut on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. Returning from an ACL injury suffered in November 2023, the All-Pro has fully participated in practice this week and is preparing to rejoin his teammates on the field.
Earlier this week, head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his expectation that Hufanga would play against the Rams. On Thursday, Shanahan reiterated his confidence during an interview on Bay Area radio station KNBR.
"Yeah, that is the expectation," Shanahan said. "He's had a really good week of practice. Expect him to be out there. I know he's been itching to get back."
Last season, Hufanga recorded 52 tackles, one tackle for a loss, three interceptions, and three passes defensed before his injury. He was coming off a standout All-Pro and Pro Bowl 2022 campaign, with high expectations for himself and his team. The 49ers reached the Super Bowl but fell just short of a championship, and Hufanga had to watch everything from the sidelines.
On Sunday against the Vikings, Hufanga made sure to remind his coach just how eager he is to return.
"I remember seeing him on the sidelines versus Minnesota," Shanahan shared. "He came up to me, he's like, 'This is the last one. This is the last one I can handle. I can't wait to be back next week.' He's had a great week of practice, and expecting to see him flying around out there on Sunday."
After Thursday's practice, Hufanga was asked about his return. He admitted that it was difficult for him not to be on the practice field with his teammates while he underwent rehabilitation.
"I'm just super excited, super blessed," Hufanga told reporters. "First and foremost, I'll praise God, just getting me back on the field. And got great teammates' support and a great staff that's really helped me through a lot of this process, for sure."
Hufanga added, "I'm here, I'm excited, and hopefully my number's called, and I'm ready to go."
You can listen to Shanahan's entire interview below.