During Tuesday's practice, San Francisco 49ers coaches and team employees wore the shirts that were handed out to fans during "Dwight Clark Day" at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017. Head coach Kyle Shanahan did not wear the same shirt but wore a Clark jersey shirt, which can be found here on the team's official online store.
Dwight Clark passed away on Monday after a courageous battle with ALS.
Shanahan asked former linebacker Keena Turner, who currently serves as the Vice President and Special Advisor to the General Manager, to speak to the entire team before practice about the impact Clark had on the franchise.
"(Dwight was) such a good person, so special to this place," Shanahan told reporters. "We had Keena talk to the team a little bit about him today to tell them what type of guy he was. Just to hear how he was in the locker room, it wasn't a coincidence that team was so tight. To hear the type of teammate he was, the type of friend he was to people like Keena and the rest of the team, that's what we're trying to build here.
"That's why they had a great culture then. It started out with great people, starting with Dwight, and that's what we're trying to emulate. I've got a lot of respect for that guy and he's going to be greatly missed."
Tuesday's practice was the third and final session open to the media during organized team activities (OTAs). The 49ers will hold a mandatory minicamp next week.
#49ers staff and coaches wore their #DwightClarkDay t-shirts today pic.twitter.com/rmKO7oQNSc
— Tracy Sandler (@49ersfangirl) June 5, 2018
Kyle Shanahan spoke to media about Dwight Clark today. #49ers pic.twitter.com/fBRazLrUUM
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) June 5, 2018
Below are some notes, videos, and more from the 49ers' Tuesday afternoon practice.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo completed all four of his passes for touchdowns during red-zone drills. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, running back Matt Breida, and tight ends Garrett Celek and George Kittle caught the touchdowns.
Garoppolo completed 13-of-17 during 11-on-11 drills, but that included an interception (Greg Mabin) on a pass intended for Pierre Garçon.
Garoppolo hit running back Matt Breida on a deep pass for a big gain against rookie cornerback Tarvarius Moore.
Here's your weekly montage of Jimmy Garoppolo throwing the football. pic.twitter.com/VuzJn1sfkZ
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) June 5, 2018
Jimmy Garoppolo's best throws of the day:
- Deep pass down right sideline to Matt Breida.
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) June 5, 2018
- Threaded the needle over the middle to Garrett Celek for a touchdown (red zone period).
- Found Kenrick Bourne in the back of the end zone for a touchdown (red zone period).
Jimmy Garoppolo had 4 TDS in red zone drills today #49ers pic.twitter.com/Jir6eyUuri
— Tracy Sandler (@49ersfangirl) June 5, 2018
Linebackers
Reuben Foster practiced at the Will linebacker spot while Fred Warner received reps alongside him at the Mike spot. Malcolm Smith did not participate in practice. Foster alternated with Korey Toomer, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
Warner had an opportunity to practice handling the calls and communications on defense.
Offensive Line
Joshua Garnett took snaps at right guard with the first-team offense.
Defensive Backs
With Jimmy Ward missing practice due to a "tweaked ankle," Ahkello Witherspoon and Tyvis Powell started at the outside cornerback spots with Tarvarius Moore getting a lot of work as well.
As mentioned earlier, Greg Mabin managed to haul in an end-zone interception from Garoppolo on a 40-yard fade, according to Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group.
Did Not Practice
LB Malcolm Smith (groin)
CB Jimmy Ward (ankle)
Both Smith and Ward are expected to be ready for the 49ers' mandatory minicamp next week, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.
