San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil stated today that the team plans to have third-round selection Will Redmond return to the active roster this season.
"I think that's the plan," said O'Neil. "Will's a guy that we were very excited about when we drafted him. We're still very excited about him. We'll lean on Ferg and the athletic training staff as far as when he's fully back and if it's a situation down the line where we can activate him, I'm sure that that will be a conversation."
The rookie cornerback participated late in preseason with the 49ers, but was placed on injured reserve earlier this week. He took part during the team's offseason program, but was limited.
Redmond suffered an ACL tear during a Mississippi State practice on October 22, continuing a trend by 49ers general manager Trent Baalke of selecting injured players. However, when speaking to reporters following being drafted, Redmond stated, "I expect to play in 2016."
Redmond could be one of the 49ers' most intriguing selections if he gets completely healthy enough to contribute this season. "In the midst of injury row, Will Redmond saw his final season torpedoed by injury after seven games when he tore his ACL. By that point he had allowed just one touchdown and a passer rating of only 41.0 when targeted by opposing quarterbacks," said Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus.