Marcus

Lattimore

“The ACL looks really good for Marcus,” insisted Harbaugh. “We’re just going to have to take a step back in terms of the cutting because we want that inside of the knee, the lateral side of the knee to heal fully. But we’re good.” Lattimore conceded he’d be “fine” with sitting out the entire 2013 season. Harbaugh said the 49ers will determine his playing status at a later date.

Coming off of a gruesome knee injury, it’s understandable why the team would pull back the reins on Lattimore’s rehab intensity. The 49ers drafted Lattimore knowing they had depth at running back and could “red shirt” the rookie, which seems to be the plan. Lattimore said he “wants to train as hard as he can,” but added he “understands why they want to slow me down.” He’s not expected to make an impact in 2013.

Lattimore will likely spend all of 2013 as a reserve while he continues to rehab his knee. He was touted as having “top-10" ability pre-injury, and the 49ers plan to have him 100 percent healthy for 2014.

Lattimore drew Earl Campbell comparisons as a 6-foot, 218-power back as a freshman and sophomore before tearing his left ACL in October of 2011. He returned faster than expected in 2012, but was clearly not the same player as a junior and suffered another devastating injury in late October, tearing his right ACL and MCL. Lattimore will be in a similar situation to Willis McGahee in 2003. He is blessed with first-round talent when 100 percent, but may have to sit out the 2013 season. We still expect someone to take a chance on Lattimore on the second day of the draft.

It’s a smidgen shorter and a shade heavier than Lattimore was listed in the SEC. In other words, nothing that’s going to alter evaluations. Recovering from a devastating knee injury, medical tests will be all important for Lattimore at the Combine as he looks to convince teams he’s worth the day-two plunge.

“Andrews actually told me, ‘It’s about as bad a knee injury as you could possibly get,’” Rapoport reported. “He was optimistic on Lattimore ... but cautious as far as will (Lattimore) be able to play next season. Really kept that open ended.” Lattimore blew out his right knee in late October. No matter Lattimore’s goals, interested teams won’t count on him contributing in 2013.

“The medicals on him are not great,” said Mort. “Dr. (James) Andrews, who did the surgery, says it’s one of the toughest surgeries he’s ever had. ... You take Marcus Lattimore, you’re taking him for 2014. Nobody wants to shoot down the inspiration for him, but the bottom line is it’s going to be a long road.” Expect Lattimore to be a middle- to late-round flier in April’s draft.

“I think he’s gonna go somewhere in the third round,” said Mayock. Mayock turned some heads by ranking Lattimore as a top-five running back in this year’s class, but it appears he’s got solid information on the onetime college star’s rehab. It will be interesting to see whether Lattimore performs any drills before the draft. He tore his right ACL, PCL, and LCL on October 27.

“I know my body,” Lattimore said. “I know if I’m progressing the way I am, I’ll be ready to play. I won’t have to sit out a year.” Lattimore will conduct interviews at this week’s Combine, and is holding out hope he can participate in South Carolina’s March 27 Pro Day. That’s extremely unlikely to happen, but the fact that Lattimore is willing to publicly consider it is proof his rehab is going as well as possible. NFL Network’s Mike Mayock believes Lattimore could go as early as the third round.

This is certainly a step in the right direction for Lattimore’s recovery, but he’s still just four months removed from a devastating knee injury where he tore his ACL, PCL, and LCL. Despite the fact that he’s going to start running, it’s still very unlikely Lattimore participates in South Carolina’s March 27 Pro Day.