49ers biggest winners, losers halfway through 2019 NFL preseason

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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 06: Cornerback Jason Verrett #22 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates after intercepting a pass in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on December 6, 2015 in San Diego, California. The Broncos won 17-3. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

Loser: Cornerback Jason Verrett

Speaking of Jason Verrett, his elongated injury history at the pro level hasn’t gotten any better during training camp.

Verrett suffered an ankle injury just ahead of the 49ers’ first preseason game against the Cowboys. And like the team’s No. 1 pick from the 2019 NFL Draft, EDGE Nick Bosa, Verrett is expected to miss the entire preseason:

49ers’ HC Kyle Shanahan said CB Jason Verrett also has a significant ankle injury and will be on the same timeline as Nick Bosa; Verrett is out for the preseason, with the hope he possibly can return in Week 1.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 8, 2019

Bosa arguably doesn’t need the preseason to showcase his talents. Verrett, on the other hand, has appeared in just five regular-season games dating back to the start of 2016. The latest injury only reinforces what has been a problem for him for his entire career.

Simply put, Verrett needs the reps in order to get his proverbial “football legs” back underneath him. And with both Ahkello Witherspoon and Richard Sherman looking good enough in camp so far, it seems as if the Niners will only be able to relegate Verrett to reserve duties to start the season.

And he’ll likely have to use that time merely to re-acclimate himself back to on-field activities. That will take time.