RELATED August 10 Training Camp Notes: Practice at Kezar, quarterbacks struggle
Here are some notes from Thursday's practice based on observations by the media.
Quarterbacks
Colin Kaepernick did not participate in team drills. The team called it a "planned day of rest" for the quarterback. As he did for much of the team's offseason program, Kaepernick spent the practice mimicking the other quarterbacks behind the line of scrimmage.
Blaine Gabbert was 2 of 4 passing with an interception during team (11-on-11) drills, per Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group. The interception came when FS Eric Reid tipped a pass that landed in the hands of SS Jaquiski Tartt in what Inman called the best defensive play of the day.
"Gabbert was 4-4 in seven-on-seven drills with two passes going to Ellington, one to Torrey Smith– a deep, back-shoulder throw – and one to Shaun Draughn in the flat," reports Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
Jeff Driskel had two touchdown passes. "(Driskel) completed just 4-of-9 passes, but finished strong and made back-to-back perfect throws," said Grant Cohn of the Press Democrat. "The first was a touchdown pass to Dres Anderson on third-and-goal from the 8-yard line. Anderson ran to the back left corner of the end zone and caught the ball over a cornerback as he fell to the ground dragging both feet in bounds. Driskel's second perfect throw was identical to the first, but this one landed in the outstretched arms of Bryce Treggs."
Wide receivers
"(Bruce Ellington) caught a team-high three passes, all of which came on third down," said Grant Cohn. "He and Shaun Draughn are Blaine Gabbert's go-to third-down receivers."
Offensive line
For the third practice in a row, rookie Joshua Garnett worked at left guard rather than right guard, where he spent the rest of training camp.
OT Erik Pears did not practice today. No reason was given.
Defensive line
DE Arik Armstead resumed team drills after missing time since a minor shoulder injury on Sunday.
Linebackers
It was Michael Wilhoite's turn to get the majority of the reps at the inside linebacker spot next to NaVorro Bowman.
Cornerbacks
"Rookie cornerback Will Redmond took some repetitions at nickel cornerback with the first-team defense," reports Matt Barrows.
#49ers CB Will Redmond will continue primarily learning the slot role. Said it was up to coaching staff on whether they clear him to play.
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) August 11, 2016
#49ers CB Rashard Robinson continues to look good once again. Has trouble on covering quick-hitters but on longer depth-routes does well.
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) August 11, 2016
Special teams
According to Chris Biderman of Niners Wire, the 49ers had six players working on kickoff returns, including Bruce Ellington, who muffed a return during Wednesday's practice at Kezar Stadium, Quinton Patton, Treggs, DuJuan Harris and DeAndrew White.
Miscellaneous
"Charles Haley remains a constant presence at 49ers training camp," reports Joe Fann of 49ers Media. "After practice, Aaron Lynch and DeForest Buckner put on boxing gloves and went through an extra workout with the hall of fame defensive end."
Friday's schedule
Friday will be a joint practice – not a scrimmage – with the Houston Texans. The two squads face each other in their exhibition opener at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.
Head coach Chip Kelly 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.
