49ers training camp: Pearsall shines, rookie gets ‘Hulk’ nickname, other notes from practice No. 10

The San Francisco 49ers held their 10th training camp practice on Monday, kicking off their week of work as they prepare for Saturday's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos.

The team announced several roster moves before practice, including waiving QB Tanner Mordecai and releasing K Greg Joseph.

RELATED 49ers waive QB Tanner Mordecai, WR Isaiah Neyor, release K Greg Joseph in roster shakeup

Here are some key highlights from the 10:25 a.m. PT practice at the SAP Performance Facility, compiled from multiple media reports.

Noteworthy non-participants

• DT Evan Anderson (knee bruise)
• DE Nick Bosa (rest)
• S Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle)
• WR Jacob Cowing (hamstring)
• DT Kevin Givens (pectoral)
• CB Renardo Green (hamstring)
• RB Isaac Guerendo (shoulder)
• WR Jauan Jennings (calf)
• FB Kyle Juszczyk (cut on heel)
• RB Christian McCaffrey (rest)
• DE Sam Okuayinonu (groin)
• OT Trent Williams (rest)

CB Deommodore Lenoir and rookie RB Jordan James returned to practice. Lenoir has been dealing with a hip issue, while James has been dealing with a knee injury.

RT Colton McKivitz and CB Darrell Luter Jr. also returned after missing Saturday's session.

Unavailable players

• WR Brandon Aiyuk (ACL/MCL)
• OL Andre Dillard (ankle)
• DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)
• S Malik Mustapha (ACL)

• QB Kurtis Rourke (ACL)

• DE Tarron Jackson (neck)
• WR Trent Taylor (back)
• CB Tre Tomlinson (undisclosed)

Injury updates

WR Andy Isabella exited practice early and did not return.

DE Yetur Gross-Matos worked on the side as he rehabs from a knee injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team hopes to have him back next week, ahead of the preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

"We've started to rep up his D-line work and stuff off the field, so hopefully have a chance next week," Shanahan said.

CB Renardo Green is on a similar recovery timeline.

Shanahan provided several other injury updates after practice, notably that RB Isaac Guerendo and DT Kevin Givens are expected to miss extended time.

RELATED 49ers injuries: Kyle Shanahan provides updates on Isaac Guerendo, Kyle Juszczyk, several others

Quick notes

Over the weekend, the 49ers signed WR Robbie Chosen to a one-year deal. He participated in his first practice with the team.

The 49ers also signed OT Isaiah Prince, who participated in Monday's practice.

WR Ricky Pearsall continues to stand out. After a strong showing on Saturday, he dominated defensive backs again Monday, hauling in three of four targets, including a deep connection with QB Mac Jones.

"I thought he had his best practice last Saturday and maybe had a better one today," Shanahan said of Pearsall. "So, his reps are finally going up. He's been allowed to get into one-on-one here the last couple of days. His reps are getting closer to the normal reps for all the other receivers.

"I think his first normal day will probably be versus Denver (on Thursday). But he is almost fully back, and that'll allow him to go through some things to get better and prepare for the year."

TE George Kittle looked in midseason form, connecting with QB Brock Purdy multiple times during team drills.

Veteran RB Ameer Abdullah flashed his speed, catching a deep pass from Jones along the right sideline.

With injuries along the defensive front, rookie DT CJ West earned valuable first-team reps in one-on-one drills. His performance was reportedly mixed, but he continues to show promise as one of the team's more intriguing rookies.

DT Kalia Davis also got some first-team snaps during team drills.

DT Sebastian Valdez impressed with his raw power, earning a fitting nickname from RG Dominick Puni and the offensive line.

"I actually haven't gone against him yet, but from what I see—we call him 'The Hulk,'" Puni said. "He looks crazy. He's really built, he's fast, he's twitchy, he's good off the ball. He gives us trouble in one-on-one pass situations because he's really twitchy, and he's got good hands. But once he gets going, he's going to be a problem. I think they got a good one with him."

DL Mykel Williams looked explosive rushing from the interior. Shanahan noted he remains on a rep count due to an ankle issue but downplayed any long-term concerns.

CB Upton Stout vs. Pearsall is becoming an intriguing matchup in practices. The rookie corner broke up a pass intended for the second-year wideout during team drills (Pearsall's only incompletion on four targets). Stout also held his own against WR Russell Gage Jr. during one-on-ones.

"I think he's doing a real good job," Shanahan said. "I thought he had a hell of [an OTAs]. He was a guy that, knowing that nickel position was open, that was one of the reasons we invested that draft pick, hoping he can come in and do it right away, and he looked that way in OTAs, and he's looking that way so far now."

Rookie CB Jakob Robinson continues to stand out, breaking up a pass from Jones intended for recently signed WR Robbie Chosen.

Quarterback play

After a perfect day on Saturday, Brock Purdy was 9-of-13 during team drills, per The Athletic's Matt Barrows. He had would-be touchdown throws to WR Demarcus Robinson and RB Patrick Taylor Jr. His growing chemistry with Pearsall continues to show.

Jones finished the day 11-of-14, highlighted by a deep strike to Abdullah, while Bradley was 4-of-9, highlighted by a nice throw to WR Terique Owens over the middle for a significant gain.

Kicker competition over?

The release of veteran K Greg Joseph seemingly ends the training camp battle at kicker, with Jake Moody emerging as the clear winner.

RELATED Kyle Shanahan explains 49ers' surprising roster moves—and the likely end of the kicker competition

When asked if the competition had reached a conclusion following Joseph's release, Shanahan said, "I mean, he's not here, but whether you have one kicker in the building or two, which you rarely have two, kickers always know they're competing with whoever's out there. I don't see it much different."

Next practice

The 49ers will hold their next practice on Tuesday, August 5, at 10:25 a.m. PT. They will be off on Wednesday and then have a joint practice with the Broncos on Thursday.

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