The San Francisco 49ers are desperately hoping cornerback Renardo Green avoids the proverbial sophomore slump.
If he doesn't, the Niners don't exactly have a lot of other options to bump him down the depth chart.
Green's rookie season was impressive enough, particularly in the second half after San Francisco used a second-round pick to grab the Florida State alumnus in April of 2024. And that led to the 49ers believing they had a starting-caliber option ready to go alongside No. 1 corner Deommodore Lenoir and in reaction to All-Pro Charvarius Ward departing via free agency.
The increased pressure on Green should surely be there. But, at least fortunately enough, early signs from training camp indicate there'll be no second-year setbacks for the talented defensive back.
Renardo Green doing his best to impress early in 49ers training camp
With coordinator Robert Saleh back and running the defense, there are understandably going to be some changes, and those go beyond just welcoming in new bodies like defensive backs Richie Grant, Jason Pinnock and rookies Upton Stout and Marques Sigle.
The first two days of camp practices may have gone in the offense's favor, but Green stood out for all the right reasons on day three of camp, and multiple media outlets reported the defensive back regularly getting in the way of passes during team drills:
Renardo Green makes a nice PBU on a deep pass to the left sideline from Mac Jones intended to Jauan Jennings
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) July 25, 2025
According to the San Francisco Chronicle's Eric Branch, though, Green suffered a hamstring injury after breaking up three passes.
That's concerning, but early indications are it's an aggravation and nothing too serious.
Because, at least up to this point, Green had been cementing himself in that No. 2 role behind Lenoir.
The 49ers may go light with the second-year pro for the next few days, and a day off this Saturday will be a welcomed relief before practices resume on Sunday.
Hopefully, Green will be healthy by that point because it appears as if he's blossoming as an impact player for Saleh's defense.