That one healthy season in 2015, though, resulted in a Pro Bowl selection. That's the player the 49ers hope they signed. That's who they hope shows up on Sundays.
Verrett spoke with reporters on Monday and discussed getting back on the practice field with his new teammates.
"It's something that you miss," Verrett said. "For me, it's been a while since I've had the pads on. Being out there the first day, being able to have it, running around, it's just that good feeling again."
Verrett's injury, by the way, is similar to the one Richard Sherman suffered before joining the 49ers, but with one significant difference. Verrett said he didn't have sutures put in place while repairing the damage. Those sutures caused a lot of pain for Sherman throughout the 2018 season. The veteran finally had them removed in late-February and is feeling like his old self again.
Verrett won't have to deal with that limitation. What he will have to deal with are the mental hurdles involved in his return from injury. Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee asked Verrett what the biggest hurdle has been.
"Just confidence," he responded. "Getting confidence after the injury I dealt with, and being out there in full pads, getting the speed back down. So I'd just say confidence is the biggest thing for me."
Sherman told Verrett that it wasn't until he was a year removed from the injury that he felt 100 percent. That's music to Verrett's ears because that's where he is now.
"My Achilles feels good," he told Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. "It's just about the mental reps, along with physically being out there, just gaining that confidence."
Verrett insists he's on track to play in the 49ers' first preseason game, an August 10 matchup at Levi's Stadium against the Dallas Cowboys.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Potential 49ers draft target shines as one of the Combine's biggest risers
Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou put his athleticism on full display at the NFL Scouting Combine, looking like the type of prospect the San Francisco 49ers could covet. Longtime ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released his list of the biggest risers from the Combine,... -
Deebo Samuel says 'no bad blood' with 49ers, addresses weight reports
Soon-to-be Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel took to social media on Monday to assure fans there's no animosity between him and the San Francisco 49ers. "49ers know where I stand with them and it's nothing but love," Samuel wrote. "Love [GM] John [Lynch] and... -
Ian Rapoport says "keep an eye" on 49ers potentially trading WR Brandon Aiyuk
Earlier this week, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that multiple teams are interested in trading for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. At the combine on Wednesday, GM John Lynch was asked about that report. "Yeah, that typically happens with really good... -
NBC Sports analyst says 49ers will trade Deebo Samuel "in the next couple of days"
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel wants the San Francisco 49ers to trade him. At the end of the 2024 season, during his exit interview, Samuel informed Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch that he wanted a "fresh start." And now, he may be getting his wish soon, according to Matthew Berry of...