Kyle Shanahan spoke with the media following Monday's practice, which marked the fifth of the team's training camp sessions.
During the session, he was asked about the health of Jalen Hurd and his involvement with team practices, as Hurd has yet to play in an NFL game after being drafted in the third round of the 2019 Draft.
"He's going out there doing routes on air and trying to get all that stuff in, just with the injuries he's been through. With his back stuff, we're trying to ease him in and we do have a plan to try to get him into team drills coming up here soon. Hopefully, he'll stay on track and be able to do that."
Hurd first injured his back during joint practices with the Broncos during his rookie season, causing him to miss his entire rookie season. Then, last offseason, during a practice, Hurd tore his ACL, causing him to miss his entire sophomore season as well.
With him back in individual drills, Hurd seems to be on the right track in being implemented into team activities, although the 49ers are certainly being cautious given his prior injuries.
Last season, wide receiver Deebo Samuel was hampered with injuries after a promising rookie year and was not at 100% at organized team activities earlier this offseason, although he participated.
Shanahan was pleased with Deebo's appearance coming into training camp and it seems that he has gotten back to his old self, or is perhaps even better physically.
"I've been very happy with Deebo. He came into camp in as good a shape as I've seen him. He left OTA's not quite there yet, but trending there, so I was really curious of how he was going to be these 40 days away and just being in shape and stuff, that's the best I've seen him."
Shanahan also spoke about the wide receiver competition, as that third starting spot on the roster, remains up for grabs, although the presumed favorite is Mohammed Sanu.
"I think it's too early right now. Yeah, we just started 1v1s. I don't think anyone's really separated themselves and put themselves out there yet. Hopefully, we'll get [Jauan Jennings] back from the [COVID-19/Reserve List] and hopefully [Jalen Hurd] will get back out there healthy and add some competition, but you know, no one's really separated themselves yet."
The 49ers will begin wearing pads in tomorrow's practice, signaling that we are one day closer to the NFL season. Tune in tomorrow for more updates on the 49ers training camp.
- Rohan Chakravarthi
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Written by:Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
