San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga expressed his excitement on Thursday about returning to the field for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. Hufanga, coming off an ACL injury suffered in November 2023, has participated fully in practice this week as he prepares for his first real action since the setback that ended his 2023 season early.
"I'm just super excited, super blessed," Hufanga said. "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."
On Friday, general manager John Lynch spoke to Bay Area radio station KNBR, revealing that the 49ers plan to manage Hufanga's snap count as a precaution.
"The work that goes into an ACL recovery, it's very intensive," Lynch said. "It can be lonely. You go through low points. But Huf had a great attitude throughout, and I think they've done a nice job of really having him ready and primed.
"And we'll still have a snap count on him. I don't know what that will be, but we'll be mindful of that. We've got other guys who can play really well, but Huf is ready for the opportunity.
"I'm just really excited and proud of him for the effort he's put forth in his rehab, and it will be a big pickup for our defense. He's a really good player. We get better with him on the field."
When asked about the specific qualities Hufanga brings to the defense, Lynch highlighted a trait that may often go unnoticed by analysts.
"He's a tremendous communicator, kind of a quarterback of the back end of that defense," Lynch said. "Sees a lot, really prides himself on his preparation, a very instinctive player. But he's a really, really good communicator, which is important at the safety position, so I'd start there."
Lynch also emphasized Hufanga's inspiring style of play.
"I just think he's a really inspiring player, the way he plays," Lynch commented. "We talk a lot about being so prepared that you don't play with any hesitation, and I think everybody sees that with Huf's game. He's at his best when he's playing with no hesitation, and that type of effort, that type of speed with which he plays, physicality, that's contagious to us."
Lynch concluded, "He gives us a lift. We're really excited (about his return)."
You can listen to the entire Lynch interview below.
