49ers training camp: Jimmy Garoppolo picked, other key notes

2 of 5

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Dee Ford (55) Mandatory Credit: San Francisco 49ers/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network /

49ers training camp: Dee Ford is back

Another nugget from Chris Biderman’s tweet from camp noted how EDGE Dee Ford had returned to the field for the first time since suffering a serious back injury all the way back in Week 1 of last season.

Ford’s status remained in question for the duration of the offseason, although head coach Kyle Shanahan had a slight glimmer of hope the pass-rusher would be available for the start of training camp.

Seems like Ford is ready to go.

Ford, who played in only 11 games yet registered 6.5 sacks in 2019, has a notable injury history since joining San Francisco that season. His back injury created all kinds of worries about whether or not the 49ers pass rush would be up to par in 2021, especially with fellow EDGE Nick Bosa still working his way back from an ACL tear suffered early last year.

Without Ford on the field, this would have remained a major question mark. With Ford back and already participating in full-team drills, it’s looking like he’ll be available on a full-time basis.

That’s awfully good news for a Niners defense that boasted just 30 sacks a year ago.