After having their longest practice of training camp yesterday, the 49ers began preparations for their preseason opener with a short practice on Thursday. Here is what stood out during the 49ers thirteenth practice of training camp.
Quarterback play:
After having a rough practice yesterday, Jimmy Garoppolo bounced back today with a strong performance completing 13 of his 18 pass attempts and one touchdown.
The highlight of the day for Garoppolo would come late during the team period when the 49ers coaching staff put the offense through a tough situational drill. The offense was forced to start on its own 40-yard line, down by four with only one timeout and one minute left in the game. Garoppolo would march the offense down the field, finding Brandon Aiyuk on a quick out to the right flat for a two yard touchdown.
Rookie Trey Lance would then take the field facing the same situation. Lance would start the drive with incompletions on his first two throws before hitting Jalen Hurd over the middle to convert third and long. Lance would go back to Hurd on the next play, fitting the ball into a tight spot as the receiver had a safety bearing down on him. Lance would be forced to burn his only timeout after a four-yard completion to Ross Dwelley, which set the offense up with fourth and six from the 20-yard line with only seconds remaining. On the ensuing play, Lance would hit Dwelley on a slant that the tight end would take in for a touchdown.
Lance would finish his day 8-15, completing a long throw down the left sideline to River Cracraft for about 40-yards. This play was another example of Lance’s willingness to push the ball down the field. On the play, Lance had Travis Benjamin running open on an over route from right to left but chose to take the deep shot to Cracraft down the left sidelines. More on this play shortly.
Jalen Hurd:
Hurd had by far his most productive day in training camp, hauling in three passes over the middle from Trey Lance. Despite needing to work through injuries, Hurd is still very much alive in the battle for a roster spot. The 49ers definitely like what he can bring to the table, and if he can continue to stack days like today, he should find himself on the final roster.
River Cracraft:
The second-year 49ers wide receiver made big receptions from both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo.
Cracraft’s first reception came on the aforementioned deep throw from Trey Lance. Cracraft had a step on the defender, but the ball was slightly underthrown. The receiver was able to adjust to the ball and make a leaping grab over the defensive back for a big gain.
The next opportunity for Cracraft came during the one-minute drill with the starting offensive unit. Facing third and six, Cracraft was able to get open over the middle on a dig route and Garoppolo found him for a big gain down to the 10-yard line.
While Cracraft may be a bit of a longshot to make the final roster, his ability on special teams doesn’t make it completely out of the question.
Backup cornerbacks:
One area of concern for the 49ers early in training camp has been the depth of the secondary. That may have been put to rest, at least for one day. Backup cornerbacks B.W. Webb, Deommodore Lenoir, and Ambry Thomas each came away with a pass break up.
Eddie Yarbrough:
Playing left defensive end with the second team defense, Yarbrough twice beat backup right tackle Tom Compton for sacks.
Injuries:
The following players did not practice or were limited: Nick Bosa, Javon Kinlaw, Samson Ebukam, Arden Key, K’Waun Williams and Deebo Samuel.
Notes:
Kyle Shanahan stated that he expects the starters to play about a series against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday night. The second team will then play through the remainder of the first half. The goal is to get about 30 snaps for Trey Lance.
Shanahan also let it be known that defensive end Dee Ford and wide receiver Jalen Hurd will not be playing.
Jack Hammer is a lifelong 49ers fan who shares insights on the team, and leads discussion on all football and team topics. Follow Jack on Twitter @JackHammer_NFL and subscribe to his YouTube Channel, YouTube.com/c/JackHammer49.
They know they’ll be able to bring back Sanu after week 1 if Hurd’s trajectory takes a nose dive or he incurs another injury.
Thank you for the articles, have only read yesterday’s and today’s. The word “would” was written 17 times yesterday, This one has it too. Constructive criticism here. Reading your articles is like the Iverson practice counter
We’re talking bout practice, man. Thanks for reading and the heads up. I’ll work to get better.
I think this was meant as a grammatical (error) correction, not a personal attack.
That’s how it was taken.
You got it Jack! Just meant to point it out. And updates on the daily training camp happenings are something we all look forward to very much. Merci
Great Stuff Jack,
In terms of the Qb’s when parsing together the various camp reports. It seems that on a play by play basis Trey has been the more impressive qb when it comes to throwing the ball and making plays but he still has some growing to do in terms of situational football, 2minute drills, time expiring scenarios, etc, (which is to be expected given his experience.) Does this sound accurate?
In terms of the second string oline, while we know they have been getting routinely beat, have any of them been holding their own? I’ve heard good things about Moore, but I guess I’m just looking for some slivers of hope here.
Shoup,
That’s accurate. Lance hasn’t been in those situations very often so he needs the work. That’s why the 1:00 drill yesterday was important.
The two rookies and McKivitz have held their own and are coming along. That group has Jake Brendel at C and Tom Compton at RT. There’s the issue.
I’m most interested in seeing those 30 live snaps from Trey and then seeing Rosen and Sudfield battle it out in the second half. So far I like your write ups. Much better than the emotional over the top back and forth from Grant.
Yes, Jack, your writing and coverage have been great, really.
One question about what you said about the rookie olinemen holding their own: What’s your take on whether Banks will start the season at RG? A pipedream?
Thank you, George.
I don’t think it’s a pipe dream. Banks is coming along nicely and is really good. It’s just a matter of time.
Hey Jack, do you have any idea how Tom Compton is still on this roster?
I just don’t get it, and to be honest, his inability to protect our QB’s makes me VERY nervous!
That’s a great question, 49.
Hi Jack, I keep hearing that Moore looks the favourite to win the swing OT job, and that Compton is playing second string OT as well. What happened to Shon Coleman? They used to view him as swing OT material. Surely he’d be better than Compton running with the twos…?
This is a great point. I’m not sure why they haven’t put Coleman with the second group. He can’t be any worse than Compton.
Jack, Thanks for the ‘just the facts mam’ writing and not trying to insert speculation based on personal bias.
Will you have full access to the games? You mentioned something before about restrictions with C-19.
Will you go to the away games?
Thank you, Dee.
Yes, I will have full access to all home games. I don’t anticipate any road games for this season.
+++ Dee
Old school, Jack! It’s nice having a reporter who isn’t trying to come off as smarter than the HC and GM.