SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Jason Verrett is on the 53-man roster, although it remains unclear when he’ll be one of the 49ers’Start at 11.
On Wednesday, Verrett was activated by the team from the physically unable perform list. This was the last day they were able to do so. Verrett began practicing three weeks ago, and he’s been gradually ramping into playing condition after tearing an ACL in last season’s opener against the Lions.
Kyle Shanahan said there was no date in mind for Verrett’s 2022 debut.
“We’re not ruling out this week,” he said. “We’ll see how he practices and we’ll go from there.”
Verrett, 31, was listed as limited in Wednesday’s practice, suggesting his full return might still be weeks away. The 2021 knee ligament tear was his fifth season-ending injury and the 49ers are cautious about playing him. He played four snaps against the 49ers in Week 3. Steelersaggravated an ankle injury, and was placed on injured reserve until the end of the season.
He continued to recover from the setback, even though it was a setback. In 2020, he was as sharp as any 49ers defensive back in the past quarter century. He allowed just 24 passing yards in his first four starts, and by season’s end opposing quarterbacks had a lowly 76.3 rating when targeting him.
A New Hope: 49ers would have something special if these guys were able to play together… pic.twitter.com/XjqHz7vyWZ
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) October 26, 2022
If Verrett rediscovers that 2020 form, he’ll almost certainly have more talent around him this season.
For example, in 2020, he had never played alongside a pass rusher Nick BosaWeek 2: Verrett tore his ACL. Verrett’s first start came in Week 3. The cornerback position was also revolving with Richard Sherman. Emmanuel Moseley, Ahkello WitherspoonAnd Dontae JohnYou can begin at any time during an injury-plagued period.
Verrett was a Pro Bowler in the early stages of his career. ChargersYou can play opposite Charvarius WardThe 49ers are excited about this because they excel at media coverage.
Ward, in fact, recalled studying Verrett’s technique when Verrett played at TCU. Ward, a tall, well-built player who was still learning press technique, was tall and long-limbed. Verrett’s speed impressed Ward.
“I remember how quick his feet were and how good he transitioned in and out of his breaks,” Ward said Wednesday. “He wasn’t scared to get in somebody’s face. That’s why I studied him. I was trying to get nimble feet like he had.”
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Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans wanted to play an aggressive version of the 49ers’ defense in recent years. This would include press coverage and a vigorous pass rush by Bosa and co. Pro Football Focus reports that Ward has participated in nearly 36 percent his coverage snaps this season.
Verrett said that he and he got together two weeks back to trade notes. He thinks Verrett has looked better in the last three weeks.
“I’ve been watching him on the scout defense,” he said. “He’s been moving better and better every week.”
Other Wednesday items
• The 49ers’ biggest Rams slayer, Deebo SamuelSamuel was one of six starting pitchers who missed practice. Samuel is currently dealing with a hamstring strain that he suffered during the match against the Chiefs. His most meager output against the Rams in the last five meetings: 98 yards – and a receiving touchdown – in the NFC Championship Game.
Also, defensive tackle is not to be used Arik Armstead(foot, fullback), Kyle Juszczyk (finger), linebacker Dre Greenlaw(calf), receiver Jauan Jennings (hamstring), defensive end Samson Ebukam(Achilles tendinitis). Trent Williams (not injured/rest).
• With Juszczyk likely out this week, tight end Ross Dwelley will resume his 2019 role as the team’s fullback. Dwelley was the team’s lead blocker in 2009, when the 49ers won 4-0. The average rushing yardage for those games was 142 yards. Dwelley said he gets plenty of work at fullback in the spring and summer, but that it’s mostly mental repetitions once the regular season begins.
“I always prepare for a worst-case scenario,” he said. “If Juice goes down, I know what to do.”
• Armstead hasn’t played since the last game against the Rams on Oct. 3. While his problem started with plantar fasciitis and Shanahan claimed it now involves a foot injury, as well as an issue in his ankle.
That’s why the defensive tackle’s recovery timeline continues to be murky.
“It’s a few things,” Shanahan said.
• Running back Christian McCaffreyThe 49ers expect McCaffrey to be proficient in the entire gameplan by Sunday’s practice. McCaffrey’s 22 snaps and 68 total yards Sunday were impressive considering he arrived in the Bay Area roughly 48 hours before kickoff. Still, he didn’t appear on any third downs and hadn’t learned all the pass protections by the start of the game. That won’t be the case against the Rams.
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Carolina has the following: PanthersMcCaffrey was in charge of offense and was present for 85 percent through six games. Shanahan said he didn’t have a cap on how much the new running back would play in his offense.
“I try to get to know the athlete and how they play throughout a game and how we use them,” he said when asked about McCaffrey’s playing time moving forward.
• Jimmie WardBecause it was causing blisters, he said that he has now ditched the bulky bandage he used to wear last week.
“I needed some air to get through it,” he said. “I probably should have worn the club. Maybe I never would have gotten a holding penalty.”
The team’s new nickel cornerback used a less cumbersome wrap against Travis KelceChiefs. On Sunday, he’ll draw Rams receiver Cooper KuppSamuel was more successful against the 49ers than Samuel was against the Rams.
“He gets a lot of option routes,” Ward said. “You play outside leverage, (Kupp) is going to go in. You play inside leverage, he’s going to go out. Once they are close to the redzone, they can take the new route the dude (Hunter Renfrow) from the RaidersRuns where you go in and then you go out. It’s a whole bunch of pivots, option routes, double moves and stuff. It’s going to be a challenge.”
Ward still believes there is a chance of sacks. Mattew Stafford, Rams quarterback, will be on Kupp’s heels and wait for him open.
“They’ve got a love connection going on,” he said.
(Photo of Jason Verrett 2021: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
