San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) said his goal is to be available in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season after suffering a torn ACL in the Week 11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 2021 fifth-round pick and 2022 Pro Bowl selection hopes he can return at some point in training camp later this summer to ramp up for regular-season action. August 19 will mark nine months since his right ACL tear, so there's a chance he will achieve his goal. That said, it's early in the offseason, so there will be plenty of updates on his status. Hufanga should start alongside second-year safety Ji'Ayir Brown as soon as he's fully cleared for action. The 24-year-old USC product has tallied 181 tackles, two sacks, seven interceptions, and 14 pass deflections through his first 42 games. In IDP leagues, he scored the fourth-most fantasy points among safeties in 2022.
Talanoa Hufanga Expected To Return At Training Camp
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.
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.
San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga has a big, juicy matchup against the flailing New York Giants in Week 3. The 49ers are one of the most disruptive defenses in the league. They rank No. 2 in the league with four interceptions and No. 11 with six sacks. The Giants, meanwhile, rank second in most sacks allowed, second in sack percentage, and fourth in giveaways per game. Hufanga is a playmaker who roams the entire field. He has already made an interception this season, and he made four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two sacks last season. Week 3 could be another big game for the third-year player.
