SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Maurice Hurst’s bad injury luck has struck again and it likely will keep him off the field again this season for the 49ers.
Hurst, who broke into the NFL as a promising defensive tackle with the Raiders, is done for 2022 after tearing his biceps in Friday’s training camp practice.
It’s the 49ers’ most severe injury through the offseason program and three practices at camp, though it’s not the only issue among defensive tackles.
Starter Arik Armstead sprained his right knee two snaps into camp, and newcomer Hassan Ridgeway endured a minor quadriceps strain Friday. Both linemen will be out a couple of weeks, coach Kyle Shanahan said.
On the positive side, the 49ers are welcoming Javon Kinlaw into his first team drills of camp Saturday. Kinlaw is expected to start and be part of a fierce front, assuming the 2020 first-round draft pick continues to progress well in his comeback from anterior cruciate ligament repair.
Hurst got injured reaching to stop rookie Danny Gray on a jet-sweep run midway through Friday’s practice.
Hurst figured to work into the defensive line’s impressive rotation, which he barely made a cameo last season because of more health issues. Ankle and calf injuries limited him to two games last season.
Hurst was a 2018 fifth-round pick out of Michigan by the Raiders, after his stock fell at the combine upon a diagnosis for a congenital heart problem. He produced 7 1/2 sacks his first two of three seasons with the Raiders.
After re-signing with the 49ers this spring on a $1 million deal, Hurst was one of the somewhat secret weapons on a seemingly deep line that is suddenly thinning, although No. 1 enforcer Nick Bosa is happily healthy in camp, for a change. Hurst was on the first-string defense Friday at left defensive tackle.
Kinlaw will not be thrust into a full-time role this camp but rather be eased into action, Shanahan said.
“I just want to see him get through practice,” Shanahan said. “He was able to get a good surgery and he’s taken the right steps. He’ll be in position to be healthy to practice. If he can practice consistently, we’ve got to be smart with his history. We feel we’re in very good spot right now.”
The 49ers already have signed two reinforcements at defensive tackle this camp: former Arizona Cardinals first-round pick Robert Nkemdiche and USFL product Tomasi Laulile. Nkemdiche has been very aggressive and physical so far this camp.
NOTES
— Although Trey Lance had a pass intercepted in back-to-back practices, Shanahan did not frown on that, saying he was “very happy with the throws. He’s just got to get on the same page with the wideouts.” Consider that a glimpse into how Shanahan will cope with Lance’s growing pains this upcoming season as the new starting quarterback.
— Cornerback Jason Verrett remains on the physically-unable-to-perform list but Shanahan is among those optimistic about Verrett’s potential contributions, perhaps even as a nickel back. “Jason can play anything,” Shanahan said. “It’s about getting healthy and matchups with (Emmanuel Moseley) and (Charvarius Ward). Jason is as good a corner as there is. We’re pulling for Jason to get healthy and he’s on the right path. If he does get there, we’ll figure out a way to balance those guys out.”
— Deebo Watch 2022: Still no contract extension for fourth-year wide receiver Deebo Samuel, though he’s expected to land more guaranteed money than Seattle counterpart DK Metcalf, who signed a three-year, $72 million pact with $31 million guaranteed, according to spotrac.com.
Negotiations have not adversely impacted Shanahan’s relationship with his All-Pro offensive weapon: “Deebo and I talk a lot. We’re good. We understand our role,” Shanahan said. “I know it’s a lot of noise for five months with tweets and people talking and talking. There’s a lot of negotiations, a lot of money involved. It’s a big business deal. We’re good.”
