Tag: 49ers training camp

Kyle Shanahan says he’s had some contact with star offensive lineman during holdout

The star offensive lineman has been holding out from practice at training camp with the 49ers.

While a bulk of the attention surrounds Brandon Aiyuk’s contract saga with the San Francisco 49ers, another star member of the offense has been absent from training camp due to a contract situation. All-Pro offensive tackle Trent Williams has been holding out from camp as he seeks a new deal with the 49ers.

On Wednesday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed a small update on the situation with Williams. In an appearance on San Francisco’s KNBR with Tom Tolbert and Adam Copeland, Shanahan said he’s had some contact with Williams. He said there’s “nothing new to add, but hopefully it’s getting close.”

Via @KNBR on Twitter:

Williams still has three years remaining on his current deal with the 49ers and is set to make $20.05 million this season, $22.5 million in 2025, and $32.1 million in 2026. However, none of the money left on his current contract is guaranteed.

Williams is coming off three consecutive All-Pro seasons along with four straight Pro Bowl nods. Williams started 15 games last season, earning an 89.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

With only the preseason finale left and the start of the regular season looming, Williams’ status should be a top priority for the 49ers. The 36-year-old blocker is one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL and a key to what the 49ers do on offense in the pass-and-run game. Williams provides leadership and stability to a relatively unproven group up front that’s tasked with protecting Brock Purdy.

Without Williams, the 49ers’ tackle responsibilities fall on Jaylon Moore and Colton McKivitz on the outside of the offensive line. Moore and McKivitz will likely get reps with the rest of the starters that are available in the 49ers preseason finale on Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The 49ers will close out the preseason in Las Vegas on Friday with kickoff set for 7 p.m. PT.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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49ers No. 1 pick unlikely to play at all in preseason

The first round draft pick has yet to suit up for a preseason game after suffering a shoulder injury in training camp.

The San Francisco 49ers have yet to see their first-round pick from the 2024 NFL draft suit up in the preseason. Former Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall hasn’t been able to make his preseason debut as he nurses a shoulder injury.

On Tuesday after practice in Santa Clara, Kyle Shanahan provided an injury update for Pearsall. The 49ers head coach told reporters that Pearsall would continue to miss practice for the rest of the week.

Via @Eric_Branch on Twitter:

Pearsall’s absence at practice would likely rule him out for the 49ers’ preseason finale on Friday night in Las Vegas against former crosstown rival, the Raiders.

During his final season of college football at Florida, Pearsall notched 65 receptions for a career-best 965 yards with six total touchdowns for the Gators in the SEC.

If Pearsall is officially ruled out on Friday, it will open the door for fellow rookie pass catcher Jacob Cowing to build off his impressive debut against the New Orleans Saints from Sunday. Cowing led the 49ers with four receptions for 51 yards that included a 38-yard connection with Joshua Dobbs.

The 49ers are set to meet the Raiders on Friday night in Sin City at 7 p.m. PT.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk gets workout in during practice

BRANDON AIYUK WAS DOING SPRINTS DURING THE 49ERS PRACTICE ON FRIDAY.

Friday’s practice for the San Francisco 49ers offered an interesting wrinkle in the ongoing Brandon Aiyuk contract saga.

Not only did Aiyuk attend practice again – the third time he’d done so in as many days – but Friday’s attendance came with a workout on one of the team’s side fields at the SAP Performance Center.

Multiple reporters on site for practice reported after the session that Aiyuk was running sprints in addition to observing practice.

Of all the reporting that’s gone on around Aiyuk’s contract talks, this may be the clearest indication yet that something is close between Aiyuk and the 49ers. Surely Aiyuk has been working out throughout the offseason. Doing so at the team facility in front of reporters during practice is much different than doing so in private.

This also comes on the heels of remarks by 49ers general manager John Lynch that appeared to indicate some optimism about Aiyuk staying in San Francisco long-term.

Things will remain in question until a deal is signed and Aiyuk is in pads practicing. Perhaps he’s busy Friday and that was his only opportunity to get a workout in, and there’s not any kind of movement on a contract.

Alas, we’re left to try and make sense of puzzle pieces that may or may not fit together. From our view, a player negotiating a contract with a team running sprints at the team facility during the team’s practice is an indication that the contract is close. And we may soon see Aiyuk actually participating with the 49ers instead of just observing.

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Kyle Juszczyk believes 49ers star RB will return from injury in ‘no time’

The star running back suffered a calf injury that will sideline him through the preseason.

Even in a dress rehearsal situation, the San Francisco 49ers won’t get a look at their All-Pro running back during the preseason. Christian McCaffrey suffered a calf injury that has ruled him out throughout the preseason. Yet, despite his injury, his teammate in the backfield Kyle Juszczyk believes McCaffrey will be back on the field in “no time.”

Following practice on Thursday, the 49ers fullback hit the podium and spoke to reporters about McCaffrey, saying he’s been reminding Juszczyk that he’s getting a little bit closer to returning each day. Juszczyk said McCaffrey is “coming at the bit” to get on the field and join his teammates.

He is always super determined. He’s always striving for more. It really is never enough for him. You can see It’s killing him for him not to be out there. He’s always chomping at the bit. He makes sure to remind me every day that he’s getting a little bit closer. He’s going to have those cleats on the grass in no time. He’s going to be Christian McCaffrey. He’s going to go do his thing and be one of the best players in the world.

Via @957thegame on Twitter:

Along with positive words from his teammate, McCaffrey was seen going through an extensive workout on the side of practice that included catching passes, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.

Via @nwagoner on Twitter:

McCaffrey is coming off a Pro Bowl campaign, earning AP Offensive Player of the Year with 1459 yards rushing and 564 yards receiving along with 21 touchdowns.

Regardless of how long it takes, the 49ers will likely continue to be as cautious as possible with McCaffrey’s calf injury. While he’s on the sideline, Jordan Mason will get an increase in reps, along with Elijah Mitchell and rookies Isaac Guerendo and Cody Schrader.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Kyle Shanahan not worried about superstar WR missing practice time

The star pass catcher has yet to suit up for a practice at training camp.

While the buzz continues to heighten on the Brandon Aiyuk contract saga with no timetable on a solution, the standout pass catcher has continued to miss valuable time on the practice field as the start of the regular season inches closer. Aiyuk has reported to camp but has yet to practice as he is “holding in” with one year remaining on his contract with the San Francisco 49ers.

However, the San Francisco 49ers head coach doesn’t seem too concerned with Aiyuk’s lack of time on the field. Following practice on Monday, Kyle Shanahan was asked about Aiyuk’s missed time on the practice. Shanahan told reporters he has a feeling that Aiyuk is finding ways to stay in shape despite holding in during training camp.

I trust Brandon knows what he’s got to do for this year to get ready to play. I have a feeling he’s finding a way to stay in shape and do those things. But there’s a football shape element that I know he is eager to get back to and us too. So hopefully we can get to that soon. But Brandon knows what he’s got to do to be in shape for the season and I feel confident he is doing that.

Via @NBCS49ers on Twitter:

The 49ers have experience getting players back up to game speed after extended holdouts into training camp. Last season, Nick Bosa missed the entire training camp, signing his extension just four days before the start of the regular season. However, Aiyuk is holding in, still at camp, but not practicing, which could benefit his eventual return to the field.

Yet, still, everything is on the table regarding Aiyuk’s situation. Despite multiple trade rumors looming, a recent report from NFL Network indicated the 49ers have re-engaged talks with the start wide receiver. Reports have also surfaced regarding the framework of different trades being in place with multiple teams for Aiyuk.

Stay tuned to Niners Wire for all the latest updates around Aiyuk’s contract situation with the 49ers.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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49ers forced to cancel joint practices with Saints before preseason matchup

The 49ers had to cancel joint practice with the Saints for a not-so-great reason.

The San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints were supposed to have joint practices in Irvine, Calif. in the week leading up to their preseason showdown at Levi’s Stadium.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan often values the joint practices more than preseason games, but the 49ers had to cancel the combined sessions in Southern California due to mounting injury concerns.

ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reported the 49ers feared they wouldn’t have enough players healthy to properly execute the joint practices. San Francisco will practice as normal at the SAP Performance Center at Levi’s Stadium.

The 49ers had more than 20 players out of practices leading up to their preseason opener. In their preseason game against the Titans, 33 players sat out the game for various reasons.

Skipping joint practices is probably the right move given where the 49ers are injury-wise. Having the heated head-to-head sessions with a diminished number of available players could lead to increased chance of injury with more reps being given to players.

That’s particularly true for the 49ers’ starters. Their starting units are healthy for the most part, and added reps in a joint practice could certainly endanger that.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the 49ers took it easy in the week of practice before their second preseason game against the Saints. They need to get through camp healthy above all else, and they’re not doing well in that department through the first couple weeks of padded practices.

The 49ers and Saints are slated to kickoff from Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 5:00pm Pacific Time.

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Two 49ers pass catchers working through injuries early in training camp

A pair of 49ers pass catchers are working through injuries during the early window of training camp.

Following practice on Friday, Kyle Shanahan provided multiple injury updates, including the status of two pass catchers for the San Francisco 49ers offense.

After working on the side of the field during Friday’s practice, Shanahan mentioned wide receiver Jauan Jennings has an ankle injury. Despite his injury, Shanahan said Jennings should be expected back soon.

Following three seasons with the 49ers, Jennings signed a two-year, $15 million contract in San Francisco during the offseason. Jennings is coming off a season with 19 receptions for 265 yards and a touchdown, In three seasons, the Tennessee product has seven total touchdowns.

With Jennings dealing with an injury and Brandon Aiyuk holding out of practice, rookie Ricky Pearsall and Danny Gray could see an increase in reps.

Via @nwagoner on Twitter:

Along with Jennings, new tight end Logan Thomas is also dealing with an injury. The veteran tight end and former quarterback has missed the last two practices due to a hamstring injury.

The 33-year-old pass catcher signed with the 49ers during the offseason after spending the last four seasons with the Washington Commanders.

With Thomas out, sophomores Cameron Latu and Brayden Willis have a chance to see more reps behind George Kittle. Veteran Eric Saubert could also see more reps at practice with Thomas out.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Budding 49ers star explains why he’s making so many mistakes in training camp

Brock Purdy’s explanation of his training camp turnovers is fascinating.

There aren’t many things worse for an offense than a turnover. That’s especially true in the National Football League where so many games come down to one possession.

The importance of limiting turnovers is why every training camp interception gets thrown under a microscope and picked through with a fine-tooth comb.

Brock Purdy set off some alarm bells when he tossed three interceptions in the 49ers’ first padded training camp practice. Those bells kept ringing when he finished the following day’s session with four interceptions in five throws.

It didn’t cause a panic, but it was certainly enough to generate questions about what was happening with the 49ers’ franchise quarterback. Purdy in an interview with ‘Papa and Lund’ on KNBR explained why turnovers tend to happen in camp.

“Man, it’s a fine line,” Purdy said. “You want to go out, you want to be efficient, you want to go through reads and obviously protect the ball and what not. But right now is the time for us to go out and – you know you always hear the quarterback say ‘experiment’ – but that’s really what it is. Can I fit in this window on this hitch? Can I look off (LB) Fred (Warner) or Flann (LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles) or (LB) De’Vondre (Campbell) in a certain way and then make that throw backside? You gotta try it out. In a game and in a season it comes down to protecting the ball every snap, every play. So you can’t necessarily try those things out. Right now we can.”

This makes a lot of sense!

It should also help quell concerns that Purdy, in his third NFL training camp, suddenly forgot how to play football.

The key with the turnovers was always this. They’re far more acceptable if they come because Purdy is trying to learn from mistakes. It’s not that he’s trying to create interceptions. He’s taking advantage of the leeway he has in practice where the giveaways aren’t consequential.

It’ll be worth it if the turnovers from practice translate to positive plays in the regular season. Purdy knows the focus is still on ball security, but he told ‘Papa and Lund’ he’s going to take full advantage of the practice reps while he has them.

“My mindset right now is protect the ball, but let’s be aggressive,” Purdy said. “Let’s try this out. Let’s figure it out. Obviously I want to go through my reads, check the ball down, and work on that as well because that’s real. That’s football. But there’s a time and a place where I’m like, ‘this is practice, and I’m gonna drop back and try this out.’ And then you figure out if that could be a part of your game or not for the regular season.”

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49ers 2nd-year WR puts together strong practice amid heated battle for roster spot

One young 49ers wide receiver is making the case to stick around on the roster.

The 49ers depth chart at wide receiver looks mostly set.

It’s unclear whether they’ll keep five or six WRs at final cuts, but there are five mostly set in stone. Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall are all locks. Fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing can be penciled in for the fifth spot. That leaves a maximum of one spot left.

Wide receiver Ronnie Bell is one of the players vying for that potential sixth roster spot, and he made a strong case for it with his performance in Wednesday’s practice.

ESPN’s Nick Wagoner detailed on Twitter a couple of the highlights from Bell’s outing:

Bell has had his struggles in this camp but he made a pair of impressive, contested catches, including one from QB Brock Purdy on a deep out to the right sideline in which he climbed the ladder, high pointed the ball and held on even with CB Charvarius Ward right on top of him. Later, he caught a touchdown in red zone work from QB Brandon Allen despite CB Ambry Thomas being draped all over him.

This is good news for Bell, a 2023 seventh-round pick who posted six catches for 68 yards and three touchdowns last season. He can certainly put pressure on the 49ers coaching staff to keep a sixth WR by putting together good performances in the passing game.

He can ratchet that pressure up immensely by contributing more reliably as a punt returner. Finding a special teams role is going to be key for Bell no matter how many tough catches he makes in practice. Last season he took on some punt return duties, but he had trouble at times fielding kicks and holding on to the ball. Dependability is key for a punt returner and Bell was not that a season ago.

If he improves there while also showing out when given opportunities as a pass catcher, he’ll give San Francisco plenty of reasons to keep him as their sixth receiver.

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49ers draft pick has real chance to solve huge problem in rookie season

One 49ers rookie is standing out above the rest in the early portion of training camp.

The San Francisco 49ers have had some stumbles in building a quality offensive line. Part of that was due to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s team-building philosophy that prioritizes playmakers on offense over quality in the trenches.

As Shanahan sees it, the 49ers just need five NFL-caliber starting offensive linemen to have a great offense. To this point, he’s largely been correct with one small caveat. San Francisco’s two Super Bowl losses and one of their NFC championship game defeats came partly because the interior offensive line struggled.

Third-round pick Dominick Puni may be able to solve that very specific problem right away for San Francisco.

An injury to offensive linemen Spencer Buford and Jon Feliciano has rapidly opened the door for Puni to get reps with the 49ers’ starting offense. Early returns in two padded practices have been promising.

ESPN’s Nick Wagoner had the breakdown of Puni’s Tuesday practice on Twitter:

Too early to say whether Puni will win a starting job but one thing we can comfortably conclude: he handles his business like a veteran. Just never looks uncomfortable and has shown signs of understanding the little details like passing off blitzes and combo blocks in the run game like someone well beyond his years. A strong start.

The ‘too early to say’ caveat is an important one, but the fact Puni has hit the ground running is a great sign for the 49ers given some of their past experiences with first-year offensive linemen under Shanahan.

One example is 2021 second-round pick Aaron Banks, who got off to such a slow start that he wound up as a healthy scratch for seven of the team’s first eight games. He was active for their final nine contests and one of their three playoff games, but he played just five offensive snaps and they all came in the late stages of a 30-10 romp over Jacksonville.

Banks has since transformed his body and adapted to the 49ers’ scheme to become a high-quality starting left guard.

It sounds early on like Puni is skipping the first part of that and trending toward the quality starting guard part.

If Puni can take that leap in Year 1 where he steps in as an upgrade at right guard right away, it would solve a major problem that San Francisco has been trying to maneuver around for Shanahan’s entire tenure. Having a reliable player at that spot with Pro Bowl potential would not only shore up the one position, but it would make life easier on right tackle Colton McKivitz, while also stretching out the club’s depth along the interior by moving Feliciano and/or Burford into reserve roles.

The 49ers will need a handful of their other rookies to contribute in various ways this season. It would be a huge victory though if Puni steps onto the field and into a starting job right away.

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