Well, this is a new look.
The San Francisco 49ers are using some rather interesting (if that is the correct word to use here) new padded helmets for offensive and defensive linemen during practices. The team kicked off organized team activities (OTAs) this week, and Tuesday's session represents one of three practices that the media will be able to observe.
Matt Barrows of The Athletic posted the following video of the linemen's new headgear, most likely meant to minimize potential injuries.
New to 49ers practice: padded helmets for o-, d-linemen. Vid includes vets Trent Williams, Alex Mack. pic.twitter.com/19VHNd3C3T
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) May 25, 2021
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area provided a better look at the helmets.
Linemen on both sides of the ball wearing extra protection at #49ers OTAs. pic.twitter.com/1s10YWnIjq
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) May 25, 2021
San Francisco endured numerous injuries last season, which resulted in just six wins as a follow-up to the team's Super Bowl appearance the season before.
The other practices open to the media will be on Wednesday, June 2, and Tuesday, June 8.
Barrows' colleague, David Lombardi, posted the following video of the 49ers quarterbacks — Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance, Josh Rosen, Nate Sudfeld, and Josh Johnson. Obviously, COVID protocols prohibit reporters from being too close to the players.
Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch with all your favorite 49ers QBs — Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance, Josh Rosen, Josh Johnson and Nate Sudfeld — throwing behind them pic.twitter.com/rsPTS9brpy
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) May 25, 2021
The plan is to enter the 2021 season with Garoppolo as the starter. That will allow Lance, the No. 3 overall pick, to sit and learn the playbook. The battle for the third quarterback job will be between Rosen, Sudfeld, and Johnson.
Below are some other random videos from practice.
First 49ers' practice contact of the year... on my camera at least pic.twitter.com/3ZaVW54mEW
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) May 25, 2021
It's not a 49ers practice until Kris Kocurek is running the sleds pic.twitter.com/IUh2Jk7mQS
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) May 25, 2021
Ahí lo tienen, Jimmy está de regreso...#49ers @maximoavance #NFLMx
@Club49ersMexico @49ersMonterrey pic.twitter.com/VUBXjpyntN
— Mayra Gomez (@mayralgomez) May 25, 2021
Ya lo había dicho Kyle, y aquí está @19problemz listo para prepararse para la temporada. #49ers @maximoavance pic.twitter.com/uepAcBcGZA
— Mayra Gomez (@mayralgomez) May 25, 2021
Fred on the sled pic.twitter.com/dzImNMzcm8
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) May 25, 2021