Shanahan details process behind Verrett’s ‘amazing’ 49ers return

Shanahan details process behind Verrett’s ‘amazing’ 49ers return originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Jason Verrett’s return to an NFL field on Christmas was a long time coming.

The 49ers cornerback hadn’t played in 834 days after first tearing his ACL in San Francisco’s 2021 season opener, then suffering a torn Achilles during a November 2022 practice as he attempted a comeback.

But despite all of that, Verrett recently found himself back with San Francisco on the practice squad and even played in the team’s Monday night loss to the Baltimore Ravens after being elevated for the game — a welcome gift for the 32-year-old who, before his injuries, was viewed as the 49ers’ top corner.

As Verrett attempted another comeback this season, the veteran reached out to 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.

“It’s something that he had talked to me about over the summer, that he was trying to come back,” Shanahan told Greg Papa on the latest “49ers Game Plan” episode. “A bunch of players would come to me like, ‘Hey, JV’s working. Are you guys ever going to look into him?’

“I mean, the injuries he’s been through and stuff, you never want to act like it’s going to happen. But you’re never going to hold anybody back, and I was like, ‘Yeah, JV. If you can get back, we’ll give you a tryout,’ and he’s worked his tail off.”

Shanahan explained that Verrett worked out for the 49ers and “looked like the old JV” before spending several weeks on the Houston Texans’ practice squad. At the time of the workout, Shanahan said, the 49ers had the maximum number of veterans on the practice squad and couldn’t sign Verrett.

But after wide receiver Chris Conley was elevated from the practice squad ahead of the 49ers’ Week 14 game against the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco had room for Verrett and he decided to come back.

“He was so tight with a bunch of guys on the team, he kind of wanted to finish here where it ended [for] him with the injuries,” Shanahan said, noting he spoke with former 49ers defensive…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/shanahan-details-process-behind-verretts-181250813.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2023-12-30 18:12:50

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