The San Francisco 49ers expect safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) to return from his ACL injury "sometime in training camp" this summer, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The head coach also sounded optimistic about Hufanga's ability to return to 100 percent of his old self. The Niners would like to add a safety, but they told recent visitor Julian Blackmon that a new addition wouldn't necessarily be guaranteed a starting spot in 2024. Hufanga probably won't be ready to go for Day 1 of training camp as he works his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 11 of 2023. The 24-year-old defensive back is one of the rising young options at his position in IDP fantasy leagues when healthy. Hufanga had 52 tackles and three interceptions last year before suffering his season-ending injury.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers safety Ji'Ayir Brown (knee) has been ruled out for Week 17's game against the Washington Commanders. The rookie took over the starting role after Talanoa Hufanga (knee) tore his ACL in Week 11. Brown injured his knee in the 49ers' Christmas Day contest against the Baltimore Ravens and did not practice at all in the last week. In the five weeks since his promotion he has averaged almost six tackles per game and recorded one of his two interceptions on the year. Next up on the depth chart is 32-year-old Logan Ryan, who was signed earlier this month to add depth to the 49ers' secondary.

From RotoBaller

The San Francisco 49ers D/ST unit will travel to Seattle this week to face the Seahawks on Thanksgiving night. Last week against Tampa Bay, the 49ers stayed hot, forcing two turnovers and sacking Baker Mayfield four times while allowing two touchdowns. They also lost safety Talanoa Hufanga to a torn ACL and the resulting challenge to their cohesiveness could take some time to iron out. Seattle's offense is middle-of-the-pack in terms of yardage and points but they have been good at taking care of the football with only 11 turnovers, which is tied for seventh-best in the NFL. The Seahawks are expected to be without running back Kenneth Walker III, and quarterback Geno Smith (elbow) is questionable. Smith is tracking toward playing, but there is room to wonder how an elbow at less than 100% plays in a short week against a tough 49ers defense. The 49ers D/ST sit around slot five in the rankings this week with a hefty boost if Smith can't suit up.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) tore his right ACL in the Week 11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Hufanga will miss the rest of the season, but the good news is that he suffered a clean tear of his ACL, and no meniscus tear was involved. The Niners said after Sunday's game that it was likely that Hufanga had suffered a torn ACL, and now it's confirmed. It's definitely a big blow to San Fran's secondary, as the 23-year-old has been a leader for them in just his third NFL season. He will finish his 2023 campaign with 52 tackles and three interceptions in 10 starts. In the last two seasons (27 starts), Hufanga has seven interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and two forced fumbles.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) likely has a torn ACL, which would end his 2023 season. Hufanga was fooled in the open field in the Week 11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by running back Rachaad White, which is when he suffered the devastating injury. The 23-year-old left the stadium on Sunday on crutches and with a brace on his right knee. The 49ers defense will still be formidable the rest of the way, but Hufanga was a huge part of their secondary and for fantasy managers in IDP leagues, as he had 51 tackles (38 solo), two QB hits and three interceptions in nine games this year heading into Week 11 action. If Hufanga is ruled out for the rest of the year, as is expected, look for both Ji'Ayir Brown and George Odum to see more playing time.

San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) won't return to Sunday's matchup against the Tampa Bay Bucs. The All-Pro injured his knee while attempting a tackle on Bucs running back Rachaad White and needed to be carted off. Hufanga, who had just one tackle before his premature departure, is one of the 49ers' top defenders. However, considering the short turnaround before the Thanksgiving meeting with the Seahawks, there's a good chance he won't be available.