DETROIT -- Even before the likely season-ending injury to cornerback Jason Verrett, the 49ers held behind-the-scenes talks of a reunion with Richard Sherman.
“We’ve discussed it and I’ve talked to Sherm about it, too,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Sherm’s always a possibility.”
Sherman, 33, remains a free agent after a tumultuous offseason that included an arrest in the Seattle area. The NFL has not taken any disciplinary action against Sherman.
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He spent the previous three seasons with the 49ers, and recorded 116 total tackles, four interceptions (one for a touchdown) and one fumble recovery in 34 regular-season games. He was selected as an NFL All-Decade cornerback for the 2010s, based primary on his stellar play over seven seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.
He played in just five games last season because of a calf injury he sustained in the season opener.
RELATED: Sherman will be defined by life after NFL, not arrest
The 49ers are thin at cornerback. Starting corner Emmanuel Moseley sat out Sunday’s opener at the Detroit Lions with a knee injury. He could return for the Week 2 game at Philadelphia.
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Rookie Deommodore Lenoir started for Moseley and played well. Lenoir figures to remain in the starting lineup. Veteran Dontae Johnson subbed in for Verrett in the fourth quarter.
Verrett likely sustained a season-ending torn ACL, Shanahan said.
The 49ers signed veteran cornerback Josh Norman last week. He was inactive on Sunday but is likely to be available for a large role next week.