Who will play in secondary? 49ers dealing with injury, performance, COVID questions

The San Francisco 49ers' rookie minicamp kicked off Friday afternoon, with the 49ers revealing the rookie jersey numbers prior to media availability. Sixth-round selection Nick Zakelj, who will wear No. 63, spoke with the media on Friday for the first time since draft night and shared a rather interesting fact about his football childhood. Zakelj is a Cleveland native, drawing a connection to Alex Mack, whom the rookie watched while growing up. Mack began his career as a member of the Cleveland Browns, playing from 2009-2015 before stints with the Falcons and the 49ers. "I think definitely watching guys like Alex, especially growing up in Cleveland, being drafted, I

The 2022 NFL Draft has come and gone, but San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo remains on the roster as he rehabs from a shoulder injury that required surgery in early March. For the past year, it has seemed apparent that the organization would move on from its veteran quarterback, as the 49ers were involved in talks with a number of free-agent quarterbacks last offseason, most notably Andy Dalton, and were also in the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes before the Rams ultimately traded for the longtime Lion. Eventually, the 49ers moved forward with a pre-draft trade, moving three first-rounders and a third-rounder in exchange for the third overall selection, which the team ultimately used on Trey Lance, who started two games in 2021. Garoppolo

It feels like everywhere you turn, there is someone reporting skepticism about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance. On Tuesday, Lance and his teammates (most of them, at least) were back on the practice field for the second day of organized team activities. This time, reporters were allowed to watch. Lance was among the players made available to the media after the on-field session. A reporter asked him about the reports of doubt from those on the outside looking in. The quarterback offered an honest response. "In the most respectful way possible, it doesn't change how I feel about you guys as people, but it's not my job to care what you guys say," Lance told reporters. "Or anyone else on social media. For me, I care what the guys in the locker room think,

Kyle Shanahan wasn't eager to share an injury report on Tuesday after the San Francisco 49ers concluded their second practice of organized team activities. He had a list of injuries in front of him in case anyone asked about specific players. However, the coach didn't unnecessarily volunteer any information because he doesn't have to right now. That didn't stop reporters from asking about specific players based on their lack of participation during Tuesday's practice. Those questions led to Shanahan providing several updates. LB Azeez Al-Shaair Al-Shaair underwent shoulder and knee surgery after the season. He is working toward being ready for training camp at the end of July. LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, OG