After Jason Verrett’s season-ending ACL injury, the 49ers will face an uphill battle all season without their best cornerback.
The Niners have signed a pair of proven veterans (Josh Norman and Dre Kirkpatrick) over the past week to try and alleviate their depth, but it’s unclear what either player has left. In the meantime, defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans could be forced to rely on veteran corner Dontae Johnson, who has struggled throughout his career in coverage.
Injuries are always a part of football. But elite NFL franchises prepare themselves to deal with losing significant contributors as best as they can.