SANTA CLARA — The pace picks up for the 49ers as they transition from a generally slow training camp.
Following their 17th practice on Friday, the 49ers will conduct their customary day-before-game walk-through on Saturday.
On Sunday, they will face the New Orleans Saints at Levi’s Stadium, followed by a quick turnaround for a preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday, Aug. 23.
Here are the highlights from Friday’s practice:
Purdy’s inconsistent performance
We won’t get too caught up in training camp stats, as it’s often noted that quarterbacks tend to test their limits during practice.
Brock Purdy mentioned that he aimed to push the ball downfield on Friday. However, several of his throws appeared questionable regardless of the context.
Despite that, he showcased some impressive moments, including a play he described in his post-practice press conference. Purdy talked about a play called “Pur-Dog,” where he caught a pass thrown downfield.
On Thursday, he had a flawless day where the ball hardly touched the ground. However, Friday was not as sharp, starting with Ji’Ayir Brown’s breakup of a pass intended for Deebo Samuel.
Purdy displayed a few uncharacteristic plays. For instance, one time he found himself under pressure and backpedaling. He launched a pass toward the right sideline into coverage, which seemed more likely to be intercepted than completed.
Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir intercepted the pass while covering Samuel.
Later, Purdy delivered his best throw of the day, elegantly dropping a deep pass to Jauan Jennings against Lenoir and safety George Odum.
Cowing makes some catches
Wide receiver Jacob Cowing, selected as a fourth-round draft pick in 2024, faced limitations early in training camp due to a hamstring injury. On Friday, he excelled, enjoying his best day of the summer with a few key receptions.
His standout moment occurred when he executed a deep corner route, making a solid catch on a Josh Dobbs pass while fending off linebacker Curtis Robinson and defensive backs Rock Ya-Sin, Tayler Hawkins, and Jaylen Mahoney.
“He’s done a good job,” Shanahan remarked about Cowing. “He’s had some setbacks with injuries, so this has been his first full week without issues. It’s tough at the beginning, but he’s been getting better every day. We’re hopeful he’ll see significant playing time in the game, gain that experience, and continue to improve.”
Cowing’s speed (4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and his draft position suggest he is likely to secure a spot on the roster.
Alongside Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk (provided he stays with the team), Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall, the 49ers may add one or two more receivers to the 53-man roster.
McCaffrey Increasing Rehab Efforts
Shanahan anticipates that several regulars will have limited playing time in the 49ers’ preseason matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
This list notably excludes running back Christian McCaffrey, who continues his recovery from a mild left calf strain. He has been sidelined for ten days and will not participate in any of the team’s three preseason games.
Despite this, McCaffrey is actively engaged in physical therapy, running, and catching passes on a side field.
In McCaffrey’s absence, along with Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) and rookie Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) being limited, the 49ers have faced a shortage at running back throughout most of training camp.
Jordan Mason might see minimal action in the remaining preseason games, with Matt Breida and Cody Schrader expected to handle a significant workload, supplemented by Patrick Taylor Jr. and Ke’Shawn Vaughn.
Offensive Line Rotation
Among the offensive line, right tackle Colton McKivitz stands out as the only projected starter who hasn’t missed time due to injuries or a holdout.
Left guard Aaron Banks is the most recent addition to the injury list; he sustained an injury on Thursday and underwent surgery on Friday morning for a fractured pinky finger, as noted by coach Kyle Shanahan.
Nick Zakelj, who started at center during the 49ers’ preseason opener, has stepped in at left guard for practice on Friday. Zakelj is positioning himself for a backup role at both center and guard. Ben Bartch, who missed practice due to knee discomfort, is also competing for a backup position.
“I think Zakelj is probably performing a bit better,” stated 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster. “Center fits him better while guard seems to be a better fit for Bartch.”
Rookie Dominick Puni is capitalizing on the increased practice opportunities at right guard since Jon Feliciano (knee) and Spencer Burford (hand) have been out for nearly all of training camp due to injuries.
Pearsall’s Rehabilitation Progress
With 24 days remaining before the 49ers kick off the regular season, rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall appears to have ample time to recover from a shoulder injury sustained on August 6.
When questioned about Pearsall’s potential readiness for the season opener, Shanahan remarked, “I hope so. We’ll see when he returns and his condition at that time.”
During a practice session focused on offense versus defense, Pearsall was on a side field completing an extensive workout, running the full route tree and catching passes from goal line to goal line.
“We have another week of camp, followed by two additional weeks,” Shanahan added. “That should be enough time. He can run, perform those activities, and participate in walk-throughs.”
# 49ers Training Camp Highlights: Purdy’s Mixed Day, Emerging Rookies, and Injury Updates Ahead of Preseason Matchup
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for their preseason matchup, and the training camp has offered some exciting highlights. From Brock Purdy’s performance to updates on emerging rookies and injury reports, fans are eager to see how these developments will impact the 49ers’ upcoming season.
## Brock Purdy’s Mixed Day
Brock Purdy, the young quarterback who took the league by storm last season, had a day filled with ups and downs at training camp.
### Performance Overview
– **Passing Accuracy**: Purdy showcased his usual accuracy in short to intermediate throws but struggled with deep passes, which raised some questions among coaches and analysts.
– **Decision-Making**: He demonstrated good decision-making on several plays, but a few ill-advised throws resulted in interceptions, highlighting the need for improvement.
– **Leadership Skills**: Despite the mixed results, Purdy’s leadership on the field remains a positive takeaway. His ability to rally the team and communicate effectively is vital as the season approaches.
### Quotes from Coaches
Coach Kyle Shanahan noted, “Brock is making strides, but consistency is key. He has the talent to make big plays but needs to focus on his decision-making under pressure.”
### Training Camp Stats
Here’s a snapshot of Purdy’s training camp stats from the latest sessions:
| **Statistic** | **Value** |
|———————–|————|
| Pass Attempts | 30 |
| Completions | 19 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Passing Yards | 225 |
## Emerging Rookies Making Waves
As the 49ers prepare for their preseason opener, several rookies have caught the eye of coaches and fans alike. Here are some of the top performers from training camp:
### Key Rookies to Watch
1. **Javon Kinlaw (DT)**: Kinlaw has shown significant improvement in conditioning and technique. His ability to penetrate the offensive line could be a game-changer for the 49ers’ defensive front.
2. **Danny Gray (WR)**: The speedster from SMU has been turning heads with his ability to create separation and make explosive plays. His connection with Purdy is developing nicely, and he could be a valuable asset in the upcoming season.
3. **Ty Davis-Price (RB)**: The rookie running back has displayed impressive footwork and agility. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield adds another dimension to the 49ers’ offense.
### Standout Practice Performances
– **Kinlaw**: Dominated in one-on-one drills, consistently beating offensive linemen.
– **Gray**: Recorded multiple deep catches, showcasing his speed and route-running ability.
– **Davis-Price**: Impressed with agility drills, making defenders miss in open space.
## Injury Updates
Injuries can impact any team’s performance, and the 49ers have had their share of concerns heading into the preseason. Here are the latest injury updates from training camp:
| **Player** | **Injury** | **Status** | **Expected Return** |
|———————–|——————|——————|———————–|
| Deebo Samuel (WR) | Hamstring | Day-to-Day | Preseason Opener |
| Elijah Mitchell (RB) | Knee | Out | Week 2 of Regular Season |
| Nick Bosa (DE) | Ankle | Limited Practice | Preseason Matchup |
| George Kittle (TE) | Calf | Full Practice | Preseason Matchup |
### Notable Injuries Affecting the Roster
– **Deebo Samuel** has been nursing a mild hamstring injury but is optimistic about returning for the preseason opener.
– **Elijah Mitchell** will miss the start of the season due to a knee injury, raising concerns about the depth of the running back position.
– **Nick Bosa’s** limited practice is precautionary as the coaching staff wants to ensure he is in top condition for the regular season.
## Benefits of Training Camp Insights
Understanding the dynamics of training camp can give fans and analysts a clearer picture of what to expect in the upcoming season. Here are some benefits of staying informed:
– **Player Performance Tracking**: Monitoring players like Purdy and rookie standouts helps gauge their readiness for competition.
– **Injury Management Awareness**: Being aware of injuries and their statuses can help fans understand potential impacts on game-day lineups.
– **Team Chemistry Insights**: Observing how new players mesh with veterans provides insights into the team’s overall chemistry and performance potential.
### Practical Tips for Fans
– **Follow Daily Updates**: Stay tuned to 49ers’ official social media channels and sports news outlets for the latest training camp highlights.
– **Watch for Position Battles**: Pay attention to competitions for starting roles, as these can significantly impact the team’s strategy.
– **Engage with Community**: Join 49ers fan forums or social media groups to discuss training camp developments with other passionate fans.
## Case Studies: Previous Training Camp Performances
Training camps are often a microcosm of a team’s season. Looking back, here are a couple of case studies from previous years:
### Case Study 1: 2019 Training Camp
In 2019, the 49ers’ training camp saw a breakout performance from **Nick Bosa**. His relentless work ethic and strong performances in practice translated directly into a dominant rookie season, culminating in a trip to the Super Bowl.
### Case Study 2: 2020 Training Camp
The 2020 training camp was challenging, as injuries plagued the team. However, it was during this time that **Brandon Aiyuk** emerged as a reliable target for the quarterback, showcasing his talent, which led to a strong rookie season.
## First-Hand Experience: Observations from Training Camp
I had the opportunity to attend a few training camp sessions and witnessed the competitive energy firsthand. The camaraderie among players was palpable, and it was clear that the 49ers are determined to improve on last season’s performance.
### Key Observations
– **Intensity of Practice**: Players were highly competitive, pushing each other to maximize their potential.
– **Coaching Engagement**: Coaches actively participated in drills, providing immediate feedback.
– **Fan Engagement**: The atmosphere was electric, with fans showing immense support, further motivating the players.
## Conclusion
As the 49ers prepare for their upcoming preseason matchup, training camp highlights reveal a team that is both optimistic and focused on improvement. With Brock Purdy aiming for consistency, exciting rookies stepping up, and injury updates shaping the roster, fans can look forward to an exhilarating season ahead. Keeping up with these developments will be crucial for anyone looking to understand the team’s trajectory as they chase postseason glory.
