Initially, doubts surrounded Hufanga's chances of returning to the field this season. However, the San Francisco 49ers opened his practice window this week, raising the possibility of a comeback. If Hufanga does return, he'll play with a cast protecting his injured hand.
"I feel good," Hufanga said on Thursday. "Got to run around today. I tried to stay in shape as much as I can. But super excited, for sure."
A return would be significant for Hufanga, who is set to become a free agent after the season. The safety has appeared in only two games this year—Weeks 3 and 5—making his potential return even more meaningful.
While being sidelined has been challenging, Hufanga has focused on maintaining a positive mindset and staying engaged with the team.
"It can be frustrating at times," Hufanga admitted. "But for me, I just had to stay positive through it. I knew I was gonna, at some point, make my return, and for me, just to stay positive through it, because if you kind of get away from the game, you can really get lost.
"And so, when you get back on the field, you can be a step slower. So, for me, I had to stay in it, understand what our defense was doing, and the adjustments we were trying to make."
The 49ers, as a team, have struggled this season, enduring a three-game losing streak and falling to 5-7. With only five games left, the playoffs are slipping out of reach unless the team can turn things around—starting with Sunday's matchup against the Chicago Bears.
It remains unclear if Hufanga will suit up for the Week 14 contest, but the prospect of playing again has him energized.
"I'm very happy, though. Just excited just to be back on the field, at least the practice," Hufanga said. "That's the most important thing, so super excited."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers injury update: John Lynch doesn't rule out Fred Warner's playoff return
The San Francisco 49ers aren't ruling out the possibility that star linebacker Fred Warner could return this postseason. Warner suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in Week 6, and early expectations were that he wouldn't play again until next year. Now, that timeline... -
49ers teammate reveals how Brock Purdy's return boosts the team
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings is certainly benefiting from Brock Purdy's return to the lineup following the quarterback's lengthy recovery from a turf toe injury. Since Purdy reclaimed his starting role, Jennings has been on a scoring tear, finding the end... -
49ers injury update: George Kittle has 'a chance' to play vs. Bears
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle avoided a worst-case scenario after suffering an ankle injury Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Kittle sustained a mid-to-low ankle sprain rather than a high-ankle sprain, which... -
49ers injury news: Postgame updates on George Kittle, others after win vs. Colts
The San Francisco 49ers picked up a decisive 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, improving to 11-4 on the season. However, the victory did not come without some injury concerns. Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media after the game and provided several...