To say 49ers cornerback Jason Verrett looked rusty in his San Francisco debut against the Steelers on Sunday is quite the understatement. But then again, his rustiness was understandable.
Verrett was active for the first time this season for San Francisco's game against Pittsburgh, representing his first live game action since Week 1 of the 2017 season, when he suffered a torn Achilles. He's spent the time since trying to work his way back into playing shape, and got his first chance to put himself to the test when he was pressed into duty in place of an injured Ahkello Witherspoon in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 24-20 victory.
It surely wasn't the debut he was hoping for.
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On his first play, Verrett was flagged for an obvious 32-yard pass interference penalty. On his second, he was burned for a 39-yard go-ahead touchdown. On San Francisco's next defensive possession, Emmanuel Moseley took over for Verrett at cornerback.
Despite five turnovers and some mind-boggling mistakes, the 49ers still managed to win the game to improve to 3-0. Verrett appeared to be in a decent mood after the victory, placing his return to the field in context.
[RELATED: Witherspoon to get foot MRI after leaving 49ers' win early]
You can't simulate in-game NFL speed, and so it's not surprising that Verrett was caught looking in his first game back. It wasn't surprising that the Steelers targeted him, and it also shouldn't surprise anyone if he looks considerably better his next time out.