49ers CB Jason Verrett tears Achilles in practice, out for season

Verrett was scheduled to speak with reporters after Thursday’s practice. The defender was attempting to return from the ACL injury he suffered during Week 1 of the 2021 season. The 49ers activated him off of injured reserve on October 26, but the cornerback was inactive for the team’s Week 8 contest against the Los Angeles Rams.

“I thought he was real close—we considered him [against the Rams],” head coach Kyle Shanahan said before Wednesday’s practice.

The coach was hopeful that Verrett’s return was nearing.

“I know he worked,” Shanahan continued. “He was here for a lot of the time when we were away. I know he did some stuff down on his own, where he goes, and so I expect him to be further [along] this week. I’ll see him out there in about an hour, but hopefully, it’s closer.”

Verrett’s only healthy seasons came in 2015, his second year in the league, and 2020, his second season with the 49ers. Verrett was easily San Francisco’s best cornerback during that 2020 season. He has suffered season-ending injuries in his other seven seasons, including this one.

San Francisco was trying to be careful with Verrett this season, hoping to ease him back on the football field and not suffer a setback.

“I think in the past, I can think of one time when we put him back against Pittsburgh (in 2019) when he wasn’t ready, it wasn’t fair to him ,” general manager John Lynch said last week. “So we’ve learned from that. We’re going to make sure he’s right before he comes back, and that could be special if he gets out there.”

In May, the 49ers re-signed Verrett to a one-year deal. He is scheduled to hit free agency after the season.