The San Francisco 49ers kicked off a three-day mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. This will be the final gathering for players prior to training camp. Players can only participate for up to ten hours per day, which includes preparation for participation. On-field activities are limited to three and a half hours per player.
The biggest story from practice today was QB Colin Kaepernick. Prior to practice, head coach Chip Kelly stated that Kaepernick would take part in individual drills, but would not take part in 7-on-7 or team drills as he has reportedly not yet been cleared medically to do so. "He's practicing. He's just not going to do team and seven-on-seven. But, he's been cleared to do individual drills," said Kelly prior to practice. However, that was not the case as Kaepernick did indeed participate in 7-on-7 drills.
"He's progressed a long, well, you're not going to go from not practicing to full practice. I don't think anybody ever does that. So, you're going to bring him along gradually," Kelly said of Kaepernick.
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OG Joshua Garnett joined his teammates for the first time. He has been unable to participate in the 49ers' offseason program due to NFL rules that prohibited him from doing so. The rule prohibits rookies from participating in offseason work until their school's senior class has finished their terms.
The following are some interesting observations from team beat writers.
Kaepernick threw during the first hour of practice, but stopped once 11-on-11 drills started, per Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. Below is are videos by Ryan Sakamoto of Niner Fans of Kaepernick throwing during individual drills.
Confirmed: #49ers Kaepernick is practicing. Watch him throw the deep ball. #SpotSakamoto pic.twitter.com/wZwqY6sR1a
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) June 7, 2016
#49ers Colin Kaepernick finds TE Brice Miller for short pass. #NinerFans #ForeverFaithful #SpotSakamoto pic.twitter.com/spuClW3Cgx
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) June 7, 2016
Once 11-on-11 drills were complete, Kaepernick joined back in on 7-on-7 drills with his teammates. This was a surprise considering Kelly originally reported that he would only take part in individual work.
After sitting out 11-on-11s (20 minutes), Colin Kaepernick is throwing during 7-on-7 session. #49ers
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) June 7, 2016
#49ers Colin Kaepernick looked fine in first passing action this offseason, even did 7on7s but not full team pic.twitter.com/rfEWTFFVTX
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) June 7, 2016
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee noticed that Kaepernick's longest throw of practice was about 40 yards.
"I thought he did fine. Threw the ball well. I think he was in there for some 7-on-7 and individual stuff but we're just all focused on getting better every day and he's doing the same thing," said QB Blaine Gabbert when asked about Kaepernick.
Top draft selection DE DeForest Bucker continues to work with the backup groups, per Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group. He reportedly practiced through some left shoulder pain.
#49ers DeForest Buckner, this year's top pick, still working on backup units. Practiced through apparent left shoulder pain late in session
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) June 7, 2016
In his first practice, Garnett had some work at both left and right guard today while with the third-team unit, per Barrows.
First-round draft pick Joshua Garnett got work at both left and right guard at various points today. Worked with the third-team unit.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) June 7, 2016
Joe Fann of 49ers.com stated that the top highlight of the day was a deep pass from Gabbert to WR Torrey Smith.
Solid day for the #49ers offense. Best rhythm they've had at any open practice. Gabbert deep TD pass to Torrey Smith the top highlight.
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) June 7, 2016
Chris Biderman of Niners Wire stated that former fullback Bruce Miller, who is transitioning to tight end, worked with the first-team for the majority of the time along with teammate Garrett Celek.
Bruce Miller, transitioning to tight end, got the bulk of his reps with the first team with Garrett Celek.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) June 7, 2016
Injury Updates
WR Torrey Smith sat out the end of practice. He had reportedly tweaked his groin, per Inman, and was seen walking slowly after trainers inspected him. However, following practice, Smith said that he was cramping and was not injured during practice, again, per Inman.
CB Dontae Johnson did not practice today, per Branch. However, the good news is that he was not wearing a brace so his injury is not believed to be serious. Johnson went down at the end of last Thursday's practice with an apparent left knee/leg injury.
