Veteran CB could be Wright fit for 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers remain interested in signing free agent cornerback Eric Wright following Chris Culliver’s season-ending injury last week.

The 49ers are monitoring the situation, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh who spoke at Sunday’s post-practice press conference:

“We’re assessing. There’s a process we’re working through. I don’t have a crystal ball. There’s a process.”

Tramaine Brock filled in admirably today as the third corner, picking of a Colt McCoy pass and returning it for a touchdown. Brock was the 49ers’ nickelback in 2011 prior to getting hurt  — after which Culliver stepped up.

Veterans Nnamdi Asomugha and Perrish Cox are also competing for the No. 3 corner spot, while bringing in the talented Wright remains an intriguing option if he is medically cleared to play. Wright did not pass a physical last month which voided a trade with the Buccaneers.

Last season Wright hurt his lower back in Week 2 and suffered an Achilles injury in Week 8. He is reportedly scheduled to meet with doctors about his status this week.

The 49ers are not phased by his off-field concerns, and returning to his hometown would also enable Wright to work more closely with his Wright Steps Foundation that works in association with the local YMCA to help mentor youth in San Francisco’s Bayview district where he grew up.

The program offers a safe environment and positive one-on-one mentoring in addition to classes and activities — not just sports — like group outings to local landmarks like Alcatraz.

Wright has also been active in community outreach in previous NFL cities where he’s played. In 2011, Wright, along with his wife LaTanya, teamed with Generosity Water to fund the installation of a water well in a village in Ghana.

So while it has been easy to point out Wright’s past issues, there are a also number of positives. Whether or not he joins the 49ers in training camp will not be known until later this week — if that soon.

For the time being, the rookie cornerback trio of seventh-rounder Marcus Cooper, and undrafted free agents Darryl Morris and Lowell Rose will see plenty of action leading up to and in the 49ers’ August 8 preseason game against the Broncos at the ‘Stick.

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