When 49ers expect SS Talanoa Hufanga to return to practice

The 49ers are getting through the first portion of training camp without strong safety Talanoa Hufanga in the mix. He’s recovering from an ACL tear he suffered in Week 11 last season.

Leading into training camp there was only a vague understanding that Hufanga would come back at some point during the preseason. Now head coach Kyle Shanahan has provided some clarity on that front.

“I think he’s going to get checked up when we go down to L.A. and scrimmage,” Shanahan told reporters in a press conference. “I think down there is where we kind of were expecting around that time.”

Shanahan is referring to the 49ers’ joint practices with the Saints down in Irvine on Aug. 15 and 16 before they host New Orleans at Levi’s Stadium on Aug. 18.

If Hufanga is back by then he should have enough runway to be ready to play by the Sept. 9 season opener.

While the 49ers like their depth at safety, they’ll surely prefer Hufanga to be in the starting lineup when they face the Jets on Monday Night Football in Week 1.

Veteran special teams ace George Odum has been filling in with the starters during camp. Fourth-round pick Malik Mustapha, who’s been running with the second team, could also start there if Hufanga isn’t ready.