However, a Week 1 return might have been overly optimistic. Hufanga had anticipated returning to the practice field earlier in training camp but only returned as a limited participant this week.
"He will go out with an individual and stuff," Shanahan said before Hufanga's first practice back. "We won't throw him in against anybody, but he'll be able to do all the drills and stuff on air with other players and coaches for the first time.
"And we'll probably do the same thing tomorrow and then evaluate next week. I think Tuesday is our first day, whether we want to get him in going against anyone."
If Hufanga can't start, defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen will likely pair veteran George Odum with second-year safety Ji'Ayir Brown against the Jets. That duo might hold down the starting roles in the defensive backfield until Hufanga is ready.
The team also signed safety Tracy Walker to the practice squad. They plan to elevate him to the active roster for Week 1 as a key depth piece in case Hufanga isn't ready.
San Francisco doesn't want to rush their recovering All-Pro safety back onto the football field, preferring to prioritize his long-term health and ensure he's fully ready to contribute at his highest level when he returns.
"We're going to be judicious, going to be smart," general manager John Lynch said. "He's done a fabulous job with his rehab, and he's been doing everything he can to the side. Today's a big step, get him back at practice. I think Kyle said earlier, we'll get him through individual, won't throw too much [at him]. You kind of like to phase that in.
"Will he be ready Week 1? Not sure. I think it's going to be tight, but I think it's telling that we made the decision not to keep him on PUP, bring him off, and we expect him somewhere early in the season. So, real proud of Huf and his progress. He makes us a better team, so it'll be great to have him."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers face critical decision on Jauan Jennings as free agency approaches
There appeared to be some tension between Jauan Jennings and the San Francisco 49ers heading into the 2025 season. The veteran wide receiver sought a raise after stepping into a larger role during the 2024 campaign, when he filled in for an injured Brandon Aiyuk and posted... -
Seahawks provide Sam Darnold injury update ahead of 49ers playoff game
Few expect Sam Darnold to miss Saturday night's Divisional Round playoff game when the Seattle Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers. Still, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald stopped short of entirely ruling out the possibility that his starting quarterback could be... -
49ers vs. Seahawks: Keys to Victory and a Trip to the NFC Championship Game
What's going on, Faithful? It's your boy Wayne Breezie, and we're right back at it with everything on the line. The San Francisco 49ers are headed into hostile territory to take on the Seattle Seahawks, the 2025 NFC West champions, with a trip to the NFC Championship Game on... -
How Eric Kendricks became an instant force multiplier for the 49ers defense
When a veteran signs with an NFL team late in the season, it's often as a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option—a short-term fix after injuries pile up. That may have been the initial expectation when the San Francisco 49ers signed linebacker Eric Kendricks in November....