Some teams will use training camp after an offseason shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic to try and get themselves ready to play in Week 1. The 49ers are using it to experiment.
The Sacramento Bee’s Chris Biderman noted during Sunday’s practice that the 49ers’ first-team secondary had a different look than it normally would. Richard Sherman was moved to the right side from his usual spot on the left. Jason Verrett then took over the left side.
San Francisco’s corners don’t follow receivers. So Sherman is the left cornerback whether the best receiver or the worst receiver lines up on that side. The only time the 49ers had a different player at that spot last season was when Emmanuel Moseley started there while Sherman was out. A move for him to the opposite side would certainly be notable, although one instance in practice doesn’t mean a change is incoming.
It’s also interesting to see Verrett getting run with the starting unit. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner said it was Moseley and Ahkello Witherspoon working mostly with the second team.
Sherman had high praise for Verrett in an interview with The Athletic just before camp and said the oft-injured veteran was moving even better than he was prior to last year’s knee injury that knocked him out for the season.
Verrett was the first corner off the bench last year when Witherspoon went down with an injury against the Steelers, although he only lasted for three snaps before exiting with what became a season-ending knee ailment.
Moseley was the presumed starter going into camp and the job may still be his to lose. If Verrett stays healthy and plays well though, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see him earn a starting job. He was a Pro Bowler in his only full season as a pro, and he was a first-round pick of the Chargers for a reason. He’s a good player who’s had his career derailed by injuries.
If he’s healthy, he has a legitimate shot to make San Francisco’s secondary even better.
