SANTA CLARA -- It was just a routine individual drill for the defensive backs at the beginning of practice Wednesday, but it created concern that stretched to all corners of the 49ers' practice field.
All-Decade cornerback Richard Sherman went down and grabbed at the back of his left lower leg during a non-contact individual drill.
Sherman’s career with the Seattle Seahawks came to an end in November 2017 when he sustained a torn Achilles on his other leg. In the next offseason, he underwent a procedure to remove bone spurs from his left heel before signing with the 49ers.
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“First, you get worried for the man,” 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said. “Just hoping it was nothing serious. With what he was grabbing, got a little nervous for him. But once we got over there, realized there was no concerns. It was more of a relief than anything.”
Sherman sat on the grass and removed his shoe and sock. Saleh and general manager John Lynch where among those who came over, clearly concerned about the health of the team’s Pro Bowl cornerback. The entire 49ers' defensive backfield went over to check on him.
After a short time, Sherman put on his sock and shoe, rose to his feet and returned to practice.
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San Francisco 49ers
And just to prove he was OK, Sherman picked off a pass from Jimmy Garoppolo near the right sideline at the 5-yard line and returned it all the way for a would-be touchdown. Sherman has intercepted Garoppolo three times in camp this summer.
“Same old Sherm,” Saleh said. “He was hobbling a little bit, but he’s fine. He just needs a little rehab, a little treatment. He’ll be fine.”