Hufanga's got nothing but good vibrations
Niners safety excited for team's run to SB
Safety Talanoa Hufanga, who sustained a seasonending knee injury in November, is one of the 49ers' most positivethinking players, so it's no surprise how he feels about watching this Super Bowl run.
“It's great. There is no bittersweetness,” Hufanga said. “This is the Super Bowl. We're going to win a ring. That's our goal — as a player, you never want to come in and lose. I'm very happy for my guys.”
Hufanga is one of eight players on injured reserve who likely won't play for the 49ers on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Defensive tackle Kalia Davis has been practicing for two weeks and is questionable to come off IR if needed.
No other 49ers required an injury designation. Practicing fully Friday were tight end George Kittle (toe), defensive tackle Arik Armstead (foot, knee), cornerback Ambry Thomas (ankle) and Davis (knee).
“For all the guys who have to miss this due to injury, and all the guys in the NFL who'd want to be in our position, we're blessed to be here and we've got to take advantage of our opportunity,” said Armstead, who praised how great Hufanga has been on and off the field for the 49ers.
While away due to knee surgery, Hufanga was happy to see the 49ers, to his surprise, continue his tradition of awarding a kukuinut lei to each game's star player. Hufanga is of Tongan descent. After the 49ers won the NFC championship game, Hufanga personally awarded that lei to Brock Purdy. Kittle's three-touchdown game against Dallas in November got him a similar honor from Hufanga. Back at the 49ers'
locker room in Santa Clara, over 20 lockers have the kukui-nut necklace hanging from door handles, showing how Hufanga spread his love and appreciation.
An All-Pro last year in his second NFL season, he'll continue rehabilitating this offseason at the 49ers' headquarters. Although a return for training camp seems a reasonable goal, Hufanga added: “I don't want to put any time limits. I didn't want to rush things or wait too long.”