Barlow to start Sunday; competition to continue with Gore

Dee Ford hit the practice field with his San Francisco 49ers teammates today — the team's first practice of training camp. The veteran pass rusher didn't participate in team drills but did get some work during individual drills. Ford appeared in just one game last season before being sidelined for the remaining games due to neck and back problems. There was some concern whether or not he would even be ready for the start of the 2021 season, given the severity of the injuries. Ford reportedly looked good in today's limited work. However, the 49ers will remain cautious with his progression. "I've seen the history, and we've got to be smart with it," head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters after practice. "It's been a tough situation for him and

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle spoke with Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group this week. In what was probably some prep-work for the likely-to-be top discussion topic once training camp kicks off next week, the All-Pro player was asked about the upcoming training camp quarterback battle ... which may or may not be an actual battle. Players may be tired of discussing Jimmy Garoppolo's job. It has been a big storyline the past two offseasons. Last year, the focus was around the 49ers possibly replacing their quarterback, who had just helped guide the team to a Super Bowl, with future Hall of Famer Tom

Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu is entering his 10th NFL season and hopes to climb the San Francisco 49ers depth chart during training camp, which kicks off this week. Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel figure to be the starters come Week 1. The spots behind them are up for grabs. Sanu's experience may give him an edge, though, when it comes to the No. 3 job. The veteran wideout is already familiar with the offense. He played for head coach Kyle Shanahan, then an offensive coordinator, for a season in Atlanta. That helps. Sanu was briefly with San Francisco last year, appearing in three games but hauling in only one catch for nine yards. He spent the remainder of the season with the Detroit Lions before rejoining the 49ers at the end of March. Sanu says he

Kyle Shanahan would have liked to look into the possibility of adding Matthew Stafford this offseason. He was shocked by how quickly the deal between the Detroit Lions and the Las Angeles Rams went down. As a result, Shanahan never got a chance to get his team into the mix. "I was trying to get involved in it," Shanahan shared earlier this month, sharing that he thought he had more time to do so. But it was too late. The trade was on its way to being completed. Now, Stafford is in the NFC West, and the San Francisco 49ers will have to face the veteran quarterback twice a season. News of the trade was shocking to many, especially those within