RELATED August 4 Training Camp Notes: WRs get banged up, QBs throw TDs, more
Here are some notes from today's practice based on observations by the media.
Quarterbacks
The unofficial stats for Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick during 11-on-11 drills were as follows, per Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group.
Gabbert: 5 of 7 with an interception hauled in by CB Tramaine Brock
Kaepernick: 4 of 7
"(Jeff Driskel) completed 5 of 8 passes during team drills (one pass was dropped). Also made the best throw of practice – a 20-yard strike over the head of cornerback Prince Charles Iworah and into the hands of Dres Anderson while rolling left," said Grant Cohn of the Press Democrat.
"Kaepernick led a touchdown drive in a situational 7-on-7 period," reports Taylor Price of 49ers Media. "The offense trailed 21-16 with 1:06 on the clock and in need of a game-winning score. After a completion to Ellington and two more connections with Patton, the signal-caller finished the drive with a lofted touchdown pass to Garrett Celek on a wheel route in the back left corner of the end zone."
#49ers QB Colin Kaepernick outplayed Blaine Gabbert in today's practice. Gabbert threw INT (T-Brock) as Smelter ran go-route. #SpotSakamoto
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) August 5, 2016
Running backs
"Carlos Hyde is having an active camp as the undisputed No. 1 running back," reported Cam Inman. "He scored on a 2-yard run to cap a red-zone series with the starting unit."
Wide receivers
"At 6-2, 227 pounds, Smelter is perhaps the team's most physically imposing wideout," said Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. "Lining up at right receiver, which is Smith's usual spot, he burned cornerback Jimmie Ward early in practice with a stop-and-go move down the sideline on a pass delivered by Blaine Gabbert."
Chris Biderman of Niners Wire reports that it was a good day for Quinton Patton and Aaron Burbridge. "Burbridge had another solid day, using his body to shield fellow rookie Prince Charles Iworah on a throw over the middle," reports Barrows.
Shorter #49ers practice today. Torrey Smith did not practice. Good days for Quinton Patton and Aaron Burbridge.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) August 5, 2016
"Everything is starting to slow down a little bit more," said WR DeAndre Smelter following practice.
"DeAndrew White is reverting to the 2015 camp form that helped him secure a roster spot as an undrafted rookie," reports Cam Inman. "White made a leaping catch of a Gabbert throw against Will Redmond's tight coverage. Gabbert later found White for a third-down conversion."
Offensive line
OT Anthony Davis and rookie OG Joshua Garnett are slowing working their ways up the depth chart. According to Chris Biderman, they both got more reps with the second-team offense after starting training camp primarily working with the third-team unit.
OT Joe Staley did not take part in team drills.
Inside linebacker
It was ILB Gerald Hodges' turn to be next to NaVorro Bowman in practice.
Cornerbacks
Chris Biderman mentioned that Tramaine Brock is having a good camp. As previously mentioned, he hauled in an interception courtesy of Blaine Gabbert. The pass was intended for DeAndre Smelter.
"Ward and Brock have been switching sides throughout practice," reports Matt Barrows. "That's why Ward was on the left early in the session and Brock was on the left later. The 49ers were in their nickel defense for most of the morning and Chris Davis lined up as the nickel cornerback with the first-team offense."
"(Brock) played like a shutdown corner. Intercepted a deep pass intended for DeAndre Smelter," said Grant Cohn. "Pinned Smelter against the sideline and dove to the ground to pick off the throw. This was the only throw that came Brock's way."
Cohn described DB Jimmie Ward as "overaggressive" and CB Rashard Robinson as "unfocused" during today's practice.
Injuries
Prior to practice, Chip Kelly revealed that WR Eric Rogers will miss the season after suffering a torn ACL during practice on Thursday. "I know it's tough for him," said Rogers' training camp roommate DeAndre Smelter via Cam Inman. "I talked to him and said, 'These first couple weeks are pretty much the most important.' If he needs anything with help in the rehab process or someone to talk to, I've been there before so I can help him out."
While Kelly had stated that WR Torrey Smith would be ready to go today, he did not practice. Chris Biderman reports that he did dress and that the injury seems minor. SS Jaquiski Tartt (leg) is expected to return soon. He is currently on the active/non-football injury list.
Miscellaneous
Former 49ers and Seattle Seahawks RB/FB Michael Robinson, now with NFL Network, was on hand today to cover practice. Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area asked him if it was the first time that he had been back since being released by the team in 2010. "This is the first time that I've come back since I packed my locker up and got escorted out of the front door," said Robinson. "This is amazing. The facilities are first class. This is justly an honor to be here, to come back and see this place now."
He went on to say that he always thanks the organization for giving him a chance.
The man @MaioccoCSN catching up w/Former #49ers @RealMikeRob who now works for @nflnetwork. #49ersBeastWriter pic.twitter.com/2YnDWJzIb7
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) August 5, 2016
Cleveland Wallace, who was signed by the team on Thursday, went through his conditioning test on Friday and did not practice.
Saturday's schedule
Defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil is scheduled to meet with the media at 10:10 AM. The team's practice, which is open to reporters, is scheduled to follow at 10:25 AM. Players will be made available following practice.
