Verrett was scheduled to speak with reporters after Thursday's practice. The defender was attempting to return from the ACL injury he suffered during Week 1 of the 2021 season. The 49ers activated him off of injured reserve on October 26, but the cornerback was inactive for the team's Week 8 contest against the Los Angeles Rams.
"I thought he was real close—we considered him [against the Rams]," head coach Kyle Shanahan said before Wednesday's practice.
The coach was hopeful that Verrett's return was nearing.
"I know he worked," Shanahan continued. "He was here for a lot of the time when we were away. I know he did some stuff down on his own, where he goes, and so I expect him to be further [along] this week. I'll see him out there in about an hour, but hopefully, it's closer."
Verrett's only healthy seasons came in 2015, his second year in the league, and 2020, his second season with the 49ers. Verrett was easily San Francisco's best cornerback during that 2020 season. He has suffered season-ending injuries in his other seven seasons, including this one.
San Francisco was trying to be careful with Verrett this season, hoping to ease him back on the football field and not suffer a setback.
"I think in the past, I can think of one time when we put him back against Pittsburgh (in 2019) when he wasn't ready, it wasn't fair to him," general manager John Lynch said last week. "So we've learned from that. We're going to make sure he's right before he comes back, and that could be special if he gets out there."
In May, the 49ers re-signed Verrett to a one-year deal. He is scheduled to hit free agency after the season.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
The 49ers' season is over
The San Francisco 49ers traveled to Green Bay with their season, if not their very soul, on the line. After a 38-10 beatdown, the 49ers' vague postseason hopes are officially over. Whatever pulse left in the heart of this team is the twitching remnant of a team not worth... -
How 49ers coaches responded when asked to assess their performances this season
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen addressed reporters on Wednesday as the team prepared for its first practice of the week. With the 49ers at 5-6 and sitting in last place in the NFC West, both coaches faced questions about... -
49ers' Deebo Samuel shares honest thoughts on frustrating season
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has experienced plenty of highs since being drafted in 2019, including four NFC Championship appearances and two trips to the Super Bowl. He's also endured lows, like the injury-ravaged 2020 season when the team managed just six... -
49ers announce roster moves ahead of Week 13 Friday practice
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez to the practice squad. To make room on the practice squad, the team released offensive lineman Cameron Erving. The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown. Gutierrez...