The San Francisco 49ers are just about cool for the summer. But, before they head out on break, there’s the business of minicamp. Day One saw some tidbits and takeaways, so let’s get to it.
Richard Sherman on Playing, Nicknames, and James (a.k.a. Jimmy G)
Richard Sherman participated in individual drills, which bodes well for his recovery from an Achilles’ injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the veteran cornerback is on track to be a full go by training camp.
And Coach Sherman is ready to get back to playing football.
“It’s been fun to watch guys grow…but it’s also frustrating,” Sherman said. “You know most of the plays that are coming and how people are going to attack you, but you can’t do anything from the sideline but tell guys where to be and when to be there…Most of the time they’re figuring it out and making big plays, so it’s been exciting.”
Sherman time #49ers pic.twitter.com/ZwJ1MHiROD
— Tracy Sandler (@49ersfangirl) June 12, 2018
Sherman talked about the importance of hanging out with the secondary off the field to build trust on it. But, he could do without the nickname Uncle Sherm.
“We did talk about it today,” said safety Jaquiski Tartt. “It did kind of make him seem old. He’s still young. He’s got a lot left in him. We might revise his nickname.” To which Sherman responded, “I appreciate that.”
Another thing Sherman appreciates is his QB1.
“James is great, man. He’s fun,” Sherman said. “He’s been phenomenal around the team. He goes through every single read. His mind works really fast, which is cool to see.”
He also praised his ability to lead an offense and make plays, and thinks he may have learned a few things from that QB over in New England.
“He’s very deliberate in his reads, and he doesn’t force it if he doesn’t have to,” Sherman said. “You can see a lot of the things that he learned from Tom [Brady], just going through his progression, going through them quick, going through the triangle, his reads from left to right, taking what the defense gives, not forcing the big play.”
It was not Garoppolo’s best practice. He was intercepted by Tyvis Powell and the offense struggled with a few false start penalties, but that’s why they practice – to get better.
Trent Taylor Update and Dante Pettis’ Day
Wide receiver Trent Taylor had a minor procedure on his back several weeks ago to remove bone spurs. It has kept him out of the offseason program thus far, but the 49ers expect him to be ready for training camp
“He had some back issues that were bothering him this offseason,” said Shanahan. “We were patient with it and it was still bothering him right before OTAs. So, we went in and cleaned some things up. He’ll be good to go by training camp…It’s going to take a little time to heal, but he should be good if not right away in camp, a week into it.”
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Meanwhile, with Marquise Goodwin out, rookie wide receiver Dante Pettis looked to have his best practice to date. He caught four passes in 11-on-11 drills, including a 30-yarder from quarterback C.J. Beathard down the right side. The play was well-covered by Tarvarius Moore but Pettis set up what would be a touchdown on the next play. Good job rookie.
And also
Rookie Fred Warner and veteran Malcolm Smith rotated at the MIKE position. Reuben Foster took first team reps at WILL, and it was the first time the media saw Smith and Foster play together. Tartt said that having Foster back has given the defense more “energy.”
Shanahan is pretty happy he’s back too.
“He tried hard to get thrown in there the very first day he got back and we definitely had to hold him back,” Shanahan said. “Him and [head strength & conditioning coach] Ray [Wright] just went one-on-one for about a week and a half, got him in shape and we started to ease him in more last week with the reps. We built him up each day and starting today, he should be treated just like everyone else out there based off rep-wise. He’s in shape and ready to go and it’s been fun having him back.”
- Dekoda Watson left practice with a calf injury.
- The 49ers will have a family day, as opposed to a third day of practice to end minicamp. “The last day of school, you don’t want to have too long of a practice,” said Shanahan. “We’re just going to try to get the family up here, barbeque a little bit and get the jumpy castles and stuff.”