The injury bug bit the 49ers again in the 2020 offseason — this time on the defensive side. Defensive back DJ Reed on Thursday tweeted that he tore his pectoral and would need surgery on the injury.
While Reed doesn’t have a prominent role in the 49ers’ defense — he played just 125 defensive snaps last season — he is a versatile player who simultaneously gives San Francisco depth at corner and free safety. He was the starting nickel corner in Week 15 last season when K’Waun Williams was out. He’s also a key special teams contributor who played on 37 percent of those snaps while also serving as a reserve kick returner.
A torn pec doesn’t necessarily have a set timeline for return. Kwon Alexander was thought to be out for the season when he tore his on Oct. 31, but he returned for the 49ers’ playoff opener against the Vikings on Jan. 11. If Reed is on that timetable, he’d be back sometime in September.
However, since we don’t know the severity of the injury, it’s impossible to gauge when Reed might return. From his post Thursday evening, it sounds like he’s yet to go in for surgery.
“I will speak positively only, because the power of the tongue is real,” the 23-year-old wrote. “Once I get surgery I will heal up & attack my rehab.”
Reed’s injury at least temporarily opens a spot at cornerback for the 49ers, so the coaching staff will have some decisions to make in their contingency plan in case Williams is unavailable again.
San Francisco selected Reed in the fifth round of the 2018 draft out of Kansas State. In 31 career games he has two starts, two pass breakups, one fumble recovery, 1.0 sacks and 54 tackles.
