49ers training camp: 10 players who’ll impress most in 2020

No. 3: Have you Hurd the 49ers’ second-year receiver is back?

Then-rookie wide receiver Jalen Hurd missed every game last season with a back injury he suffered in the preseason. This occurred after he scored two touchdowns in a preseason game against the Cowboys.

There was also hype from Peter King, who said on his podcast that Hurd was the 49ers’ best receiver in training camp last year. That is big praise, especially since slot receiver Trent Taylor appeared to be Jimmy Garoppolo’s favorite target and the receiver he had the most natural chemistry with.

Everyone remembers how successful wide receiver Deebo Samuel was running reverses last season, in particular in the Super Bowl. However in training camp, Hurd running a reverse caught everyone’s eye.

With Samuel possibly out for the first few games of the season with a Jones fracture in his foot, it’ll be up to Hurd to assume the role Kyle Shanahan carved out in this creative, deceptive and fun 49ers offense.

Hurd has also previously played as a running back at college, so it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Shanahan puts Hurd at running back or tight end.

Not only will Hurd be able to make splash plays running reverses, but he also gives Garoppolo another big red-zone target to go along with George Kittle and wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.

With Hurd’s fluid route running, big body and physical presence, is the 49ers offense, with Shanahan’s creativity, about to get even better?

Expect Hurd to make a splash in training camp that will make everyone sit up and take notice.