And on day nine of training camp for the San Francisco 49ers, we saw some good running, good defense and some injuries.
Secondary Injuries
Cornerback Richard Sherman did not practice today with a Grade 1 hamstring strain that will keep him out at least a week. This means he definitely won’t play in Thursday’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
During Sunday’s practice, slot corner K’Waun Williams left practice with what looked like an ankle injury.
“I heard he just rolled his ankle,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan. “We’ll find out more later.” The 49ers are hoping it’s not a sprain.
In Williams’ absence, rookie D.J. Reed took over the starting duties at nickel, clocking an interception of a Nick Mullins pass intended for Richie James.
Defensive Unit
In addition to the Reed interception mentioned above, today’s practice saw a lot of picks.
C.J. Beathard surprised everyone by making it back from his grandfather Bobby Peathard’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, and right away was intercepted by Tyvis Powell on a pass intended for Garrett Celek during team drills.
Tarvarius Moore also had an INT during team drills on a pass by Mullins intended for Ross Dwelley. And then, Eli Harold picked off Beathard on pass tipped by Elijah Lee during red zone.
Jaquiski Tartt and Ahkello Witherspoon both broke up Jimmy Garoppolo passes, the former intended for George Kittle and the latter intended for Marquise Goodwin.
Let’s See Some Offense
One of the highlights of the day came on a Garoppolo 45-yard touchdown pass to Kendrick Bourne, that included impressive footwork from the second year wide receiver.
“KB, he got physical with the guy and broke free, and he did the rest man,” Garoppolo said. “It was a pretty easy throw and he’s as athletic as they come.”
Jerick McKinnon and Joe Williams both broke free for nice runs.
Football Players
Garoppolo talks a lot about being a football player, and this is what he means.
“…[T]he whole being a football player part, you have to be careful with who you say that to because certain guys might take it the wrong way and go haywire on a route and run something completely different and you’re like, ‘Alright man, I didn’t mean that.’ But, certain guys you can tell that to and you kind of learn your receivers as you go. You say that to a guy and they’ll find the open window. It might not look the right way on paper, but they’ll get the job done and get to the open spot…not thinking so much, kind of reacting to the defense.”
Other Notes
- Trent Taylor and Jonathan Cooper got their first snaps during 11-on-11 drills, as both are back from injuries.
- Joshua Garnett is still out with a knee injury and will be for the rest of the week, while Cole Wick and Fred Warner continue to be day-to-day. Cole Hikutini was limited.
- Center Weston Richburg had a rare botched snap, but overall, QB1 and his new center are in a good groove. “The communication’s been real good,” Garoppolo said after practice. “Obviously, we could always improve. There’s little things here and there, but the communication’s been good…If we see something, we’ll go on the sideline, talk about it, how we want to change it for the next time. I think that center-quarterback conversation is a good thing to have.”