49ers biggest winners, losers from first week of 2021 OTAs

Loser: 49ers WR Jalen Hurd

In one regard, it’s a good thing third-year wide receiver Jalen Hurd seems to have overcome the bulk of setbacks associated with an ACL tear, which prevented him from capitalizing on his 2020 campaign after he suffered the injury during training camp.

Following a serious back injury during his rookie preseason, the 6-foot-4 Hurd has yet to see a regular-season snap.

And to start OTAs, Hurd is merely working with trainers on the sidelines, not partaking in onfield drills.

But what constitutes Hurd being on the list of early losers is twofold. First, he’s continuing to miss valuable practice reps this offseason, which is compounded by the fact he only played the position one year in college after transitioning from being a running back.

On top of that, Hurd is missing out on the chance to separate from the numerous other receivers, including Jauan Jennings, vying for that third role.

At least Kyle Shanahan’s comments about Hurd’s recovery were encouraging:

"It’s been great to have Jalen back. He came back right when Phase Two started and he’s done a good job in his ACL rehab. He should be ready to go back to camp. So hopefully there aren’t any setbacks and stuff like that. But right now, he’s just working out with (head athletic trainer) Dustin (Little) on the side and making sure he continues to rehab and gets ready for his time, which would be training camp."

Still, Hurd is missing opportunities even though it’s for an unfortunate reason.