SANTA CLARA – Running back Marcus Lattimore on Friday went through his final 49ers practice of his rookie season.
After three weeks of practices, Lattimore said his confidence received a major boost from how he felt on the field and what he saw of himself on film. Lattimore, who remains on the non-football injury list, will be ineligible to practice for the remainder of the season.
“If I had to play, I would play,” Lattimore told CSNBayArea.com on Friday. “Without question, if they needed me, I could play. But they don’t need me right now.”
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Lattimore is returning after a grisly right knee injury cut short his college career at South Carolina. At the time, Lattimore was considered a potential first-round draft pick.
The 49ers selected him in the fourth round with the plan of spending a year concentrating on his physical rehabilitation. On Friday, Lattimore said he fully endorses the organization’s decision.
“This extra time is just going to give me enough time to get comfortable without the brace I was wearing and go out there and play like nothing ever happened,” Lattimore said.
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The 49ers opened the 21-day practice window for Lattimore on Nov. 19. The window closes on Monday. Before practice Thursday, coach Jim Harbaugh approached Lattimore to inform him he had two more days of practices remaining. On Friday -- after his final practice -- Lattimore said he accomplished his goals.
“Three weeks, and I got better every week,” he said. “And that was my main goal, to get better every week. The soreness went down every week. I was out there moving around and being myself. And I know the things I have to work on now.
“I felt like I looked pretty good. My feet are OK. They’re not where they used to be. I just got to get a little bit quicker. Once I clean that up, I feel like I’m almost better.”
Lattimore practiced on special teams. He also took snaps with the first-team and scout-team offensive units. Lattimore will continue to train and take part in all the 49ers offensive meetings. He is expected to take part fully in the 49ers’ offseason program.
“My confidence is good,” Lattimore said. “I know I still got it. Going into next year, I can’t wait.”
