Jason Verrett of the San Francisco 49ers experienced a shoulder injury that will necessitate rotator-cuff surgery. Verrett suffered the injury during Thursday’s practice when he landed awkwardly on his shoulder. Verrett joined the 49ers practice squad in December and was expected to make an impact this weekend against the Los Angeles Rams.
Verrett has had the worst injury luck, with six season-ending injuries prior to this one. Verrett, 32, has only played more than 10 games in a season twice in his nearly decade-long career, including during his Pro Bowl season with the San Diego Chargers in 2015.
The experienced defensive back has mostly suffered with lower leg injuries, such as knee, ankle, and several torn achilles and ACLs. Verrett has now suffered a serious shoulder injury, necessitating yet another surgery.
“It’s crushing for him,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said after learning of the injury. It’s a shoulder injury, not a knee or leg issue,” according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group.
Despite the injury, Shanahan would like Verrett to stay around the facility while he recovers. Through David Lombardi, Verrett’s mindset and constant fight back from injuries has acted as an inspiration to the other 49ers.
Without Verrett, the 49ers’ secondary depth is once again limited. Ambry Thomas broke his hand and will have surgery, while safety Ji’Ayir Brown is recovering from a knee injury. George Odum and Talanoa Hufanga, both safeties, were placed on injured reserve earlier this season.
