Michael Silver of The Athletic initially reported that the San Francisco 49ers didn't expect safety Talanoa Hufanga to return this season after he tore ligaments in his wrist. However, Hufanga remains determined to suit up again this season.
Hufanga's agent reached out to Silver to refute the report, stating that the safety plans to return and play with a cast.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters on Friday and confirmed that Hufanga indeed intends to make a comeback this season. The safety remains on injured reserve (IR).
"I know he's trying to come back this season," Shanahan said. "That's what his plan is. That's his hope. And I know he's got a few more weeks, at least, on IR, and we're going to see how he feels after that and whether he can pull it off or not."
When asked whether Hufanga's return this season was a certainty, Shanahan responded, "It's not a sure thing, but something we're hoping that happens, and kind of expecting it to, but it's not for sure."
Kevin Givens not headed to IR
Defensive tackle Kevin Givens, who is dealing with a groin injury, is one of three players ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Despite not practicing this week, Shanahan confirmed the injury isn't severe enough to warrant placing Givens on injured reserve.