Marcus Lattimore says he's experienced no issues with his surgically-repaired knees this offseason. Lattimore recently conceded that he's not all the way back "physically or mentally" from the knee injuries that derailed his college career, but he hasn't experienced any new issues. "I'm real happy because I've had no knee problems. ... No soreness, no swelling," Lattimore said. "It's all the other muscles around the knee getting used to the workload again and going full-speed. That's what I have to get used to, going full-speed again and getting those instincts back that I've had." There's still a chance Lattimore becomes a contributor in the 49ers' backfield, but the selection of Carlos Hyde at No. 57 overall was not a vote of confidence in Lattimore's long-term outlook.

Marcus Lattimore concedes he's "not all the way back, physically or mentally" from his catastrophic college knee injuries. Lattimore's career-ending injury involved ACL, PCL, and LCL tears in his right knee. Lattimore concedes he "still lacks the first-step burst" and "explosiveness through the hole" that he possessed as a freshman. Even before the 2012 triple-knee-ligament tear, Lattimore tore his left ACL as a sophomore. Lattimore is an easy guy to root for, but remains a long shot to rediscover his past dynamic form. We'll monitor him closely in training camp, of course.

49ers RB Marcus Lattimore said he's "ready" to compete for playing time. Lattimore hasn't played since sustaining a gruesome right knee injury at the end of the 2012 season while at South Carolina. He's expected to be a full participant in the entire offseason program and legitimately battle for snaps come training camp. Lattimore's progress will be worth watching closely as he flashed serious first-round talent when 100 percent. He'll start off behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter on the depth chart.

Because 49ers RB Marcus Lattimore spent all of last season on the reserve/non-football injury list, his rookie contract "tolled" for 2013, and he is now under contract through 2017. Lattimore's catastrophic knee injury occurred in college, and therefore he was eligible for the "non-football injury" list because it didn't happen in the pros. Still only 22 years old, Lattimore is the age of most incoming rookies. He is expected to be given every opportunity to earn carries in training camp, and perhaps form a "three-headed monster" with Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter.

49ers second-year RB Marcus Lattimore (knee) told USA Today there's "no doubt" he'll be ready for Week 1, and currently feels "faster than I ever was." "But my quickness is still coming back," conceded Lattimore, who blew out each of his knees at South Carolina. "Getting stronger and making sure my balance is right, those are the two main things I've been working on. I feel close. I really do. I feel very close." Lattimore says he could squad 450-500 pounds before his knee injuries, and is at 405 pounds now. Lattimore currently carries RB4/5 Dynasty league value with the potential to rise this summer.

Marcus Lattimore (knee) confirmed he expects to be cleared for OTAs. "Whatever role they want me to do, I'm ready," Lattimore said. "The rehab is over." Lattimore missed his entire rookie year while recovering from major knee surgery, but reportedly looked good in a three-week practice window late last season. Barring a setback, he should push Kendall Hunter for the No. 2 job behind Frank Gore in training camp.

Marcus Lattimore "feels close" to 100 percent. "The left knee, it feels like nothing ever happened," Lattimore said. "The right knee, it feels great. Both feel balanced. I've got my speed and I rarely get any soreness (after workouts)." Lattimore shredded his right knee in 2011, and his left knee in 2012. He expects to be full-go when OTAs begin on April 21. With Frank Gore beginning to slow down, Lattimore and Kendall Hunter should get ample opportunity to run the ball in 2014.

Coach Jim Harbaugh expects Marcus Lattimore (knee) to be ready for the 49ers' offseason program. Harbaugh also has "great hope" that Lattimore will compete for a job in 2014. "There's a path there," Harbaugh said. "Nobody owes anyone a career in professional football. Your career is literally your business. But I have great faith that (Lattimore has) what it takes." With Frank Gore going on 31 and headed into the last year of his contract, there will be snaps to be had in the 49ers' backfield. Lattimore should get a legitimate chance to push Kendall Hunter in camp and the preseason.

49ers placed RB Marcus Lattimore (knee) on injured reserve, ending his season. Lattimore practiced the last three weeks while on the NFI list and hasn't had any setbacks in his recovery from major knee surgery, but was never expected to be activated this season. With Frank Gore entering a contract-year in 2014, he remains a strong "hold" in Dynasty leagues and will take part fully in the 49ers' offseason program. "If I had to play, I would," Lattimore told CSN Bay Area. "Without question, if they needed me. But they don't need me right now. Going into next year, I can't wait."

The San Francisco Chronicle reports Marcus Lattimore (reserve/NFI, knee) hasn't had any setbacks since being cleared to practice last week. "I'm hitting it," Lattimore said. "When I'm out there, I'm going at the pace I normally would." It's good news that Lattimore hasn't had any issues with his rehab, but the 49ers are still not expected to activate him from the NFI list this season. He'll continue to practice through next week before being placed on injured reserve.