The 49ers managed to get through the preseason with their health relatively intact. One injury concern has grown over the last couple weeks though. Rookie wide receiver Jalen Hurd only played eight snaps in the second preseason game in Denver before exiting with back tightness. The third-round pick is now in danger of missing the start of the regular season head coach Kyle Shanahan told media Thursday after the preseason finale.
Hurd began experiencing the tightness in his back during the practice leading up to the Denver game. It looked initially like the limited playing time was precautionary, but he never returned to practice and didn’t appear in any more preseason contests.
The rookie out of Baylor burst onto the scene with San Francisco behind a pair of impressive touchdowns in the preseason opener. One where he lowered his shoulder to go through a defender at the goal line, and another where he went used his size to seal off a cornerback on a fade route.
There’s a multifaceted role for Hurd once he’s healthy and familiar with the offense, but it looks like he won’t suit up in a regular season game to show off his versatility until after the first week.
The 49ers kick off the regular season Sept. 8 in Tampa Bay.
