49ers All-Pro to make long-anticipated return vs. Rams in Week 3

The 49ers are expecting Talanoa Hufanga back from last year's ACL tear, but he might not play a full set of snaps versus the Rams.

One of the backbreaking moments from the San Francisco 49ers' Week 2 road loss to the Minnesota Vikings was a 97-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Sam Darnold to wide receiver Justin Jefferson, a play that oddly saw the Niners' two safeties, George Odum and Ji'Ayir Brown, in coverage against one of the NFL's top receivers.

The play might have been a gaffe from a play-calling perspective, given that safeties probably shouldn't have been tasked with covering Jefferson.

However, getting some upgrades within the defensive backfield might end up being a priority for San Francisco as it looks to rebound in Week 3 against a banged-up Los Angeles Rams team yet to win this season.

All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga probably wouldn't have had much better luck against Jefferson on that particular play, had the former been available. Hufanga isn't exactly known for his straightline speed.

Yet Hufanga's playmaking skills don't need much of an introduction. Getting him back on the field after last year's ACL tear had to be a priority for the 49ers.

After spending the first two weeks of the season inactive, not quite ready to go, it looks as if things will change for this upcoming NFC West bout.

Talanoa Hufanga to return vs. Rams in Week 3 but will be on a 'snap count'

Hufanga missed the latter half of 2023 and the Niners' run into the Super Bowl because of the ACL injury, and his long-term future with San Francisco was put in doubt with the drafting of safety Malik Mustapha, who seems to be the eventual partner to pair with Brown, highlighted by the fact Hufanga is entering a contract year.

That said, Mustapha remains a promising-yet-unproven rookie, leaving the door open for Hufanga to reassume his starting box-safety role.

On Friday, speaking to KNBR 680 (h/t 49ers Webzone), general manager John Lynch said the plan was to get Hufanga back on the field this Sunday after the defensive back missed the first two games of the year.

However, Lynch indicated that Hufanga would have a "snap count," of sorts:

"We'll still have a snap count on him. I don't know what that will be, but we'll be mindful of that. We've got other guys who can play really well, but Huf is ready for the opportunity.

I'm just really excited and proud of him for the effort he's put forth in his rehab, and it will be a big pickup for our defense. He's a really good player. We get better with him on the field."

Hufanga, too, is understandably excited for his return.

"I'm here, I'm excited, and hopefully my number's called, and I'm ready to go," Hufanga said.

The 25 year old who tallied a combined seven interceptions over the previous two years certainly can provide a positive jolt to a 49ers defense that has shown signs of vulnerability lately, and that presence could go a long way toward the Niners getting back into the win column.

San Francisco kicks off against Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 4:25 p.m. ET from SoFI Stadium.

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