The San Francisco 49ers concluded their 15th training camp practice on Thursday with a joint session alongside the Las Vegas Raiders in Henderson, Nevada, as both teams prepare for their upcoming preseason game at Allegiant Stadium. The practice, held at the Intermountain Health Performance Center, provided valuable opportunities for evaluation and refinement.
Before the practice commenced, the 49ers bolstered their defensive line by signing William Bradley-King and Demone Harris to one-year contracts. In corresponding roster moves, offensive lineman Andre Dillard was placed on injured reserve, and defensive lineman Michael Dwumfour was waived. Dillard had been working his way back from ankle surgery performed earlier in the offseason but suffered a setback that led to his placement on injured reserve.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media after practice, acknowledging the challenges presented by the significant number of injuries impacting the team’s depth. Despite the challenges, Shanahan expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and eagerness to review the film. He specifically highlighted the need for players at several positions, including defensive back, defensive line, and wide receiver, to step up in light of the numerous absences.
Injury Report and Player Availability
A significant number of players were sidelined for the practice due to various injuries. These players were categorized as non-participants, unavailable due to being on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, or Injured Reserve (IR).
Noteworthy Non-Participants:
- Ben Bartch (LG, elbow)
- Robert Beal Jr. (DE, abductor)
- Nick Bosa (DE, neck soreness)
- Tre Brown (CB, heel)
- Jordan Elliott (DT, back)
- Kevin Givens (DT, pectoral)
- Richie Grant (S, knee)
- Renardo Green (CB, hamstring)
- Isaac Guerendo (RB, shoulder)
- Jordan James (RB, broken finger)
- Jauan Jennings (WR, calf)
- Fabian Moreau (CB)
- Jason Pinnock (S, heel)
- Sam Okuayinonu (DE, groin)
- Upton Stout (CB, calf)
- Jordan Watkins (WR, high-ankle)
- Mykel Williams (DL, knee)
Unavailable Players:
- PUP: Brandon Aiyuk (WR, ACL/MCL), Yetur Gross-Matos (DE, knee), Malik Mustapha (S, ACL)
- NFI: Kurtis Rourke (QB, ACL)
- IR: Ameer Abdullah (RB, ribs), Bradlee Anae (DE, undisclosed), Andre Dillard (OL, ankle), Tarron Jackson (DE, neck), Equanimeous St. Brown (WR, foot), Trent Taylor (WR, back), Tre Tomlinson (CB, undisclosed)
Rookie DT CJ West briefly left practice with a hyperextended knee during a one-on-one pass-rush drill. While he limped off the field initially, he appeared to be walking better after a short period. Shanahan indicated that initial evaluations were positive and that the injury may not be severe.
Regarding Nick Bosa’s absence due to neck soreness, Shanahan expressed optimism that the star defensive end would be back on the field the following week.
Tryouts
The 49ers held tryouts for defensive backs Micah Abraham and Myles Jones, indicating the team’s ongoing efforts to evaluate and potentially add depth to the secondary.
Offensive Observations
With Ben Bartch sidelined, Nick Zakelj received the majority of first-team reps at left guard, while rookie Connor Colby also rotated in. Shanahan praised Colby’s gradual improvement, noting that the lineman is adapting to the team’s techniques and the demands of the running game.
Trent Williams, the veteran left tackle, participated in warmups but was held out of team drills. Shanahan explained that the team is implementing a modified practice schedule for players over 36 years old, acknowledging the need to manage Williams’ workload given his high level of play.
A minor scare occurred when Raiders DE Tyree Wilson rolled into QB Brock Purdy’s ankle. However, Purdy downplayed the incident, stating that it was part of the game and that Wilson apologized afterward.
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk made a notable play, catching a 40-yard pass down the sideline for what would have been a touchdown during a move-the-ball period.
Purdy expressed satisfaction with the offense’s rhythm and execution, noting that it was an improvement over the previous joint practice with the Denver Broncos.
Defensive Highlights
Linebacker Dee Winters continued to impress, solidifying his position as a leading candidate to start alongside Fred Warner. Warner attributed Winters’ growth to increased practice reps and growing confidence in the defensive scheme. Winters demonstrated his physicality with a notable hit on Raiders rookie RB Ashton Jeanty and later brought down TE Michael Mayer after a reception.
Defensive end Jaylon Allen showed composure by not retaliating after a Raiders lineman took a swing at him. Shanahan emphasized the importance of avoiding penalties and ejections, particularly given the team’s current injury situation.
Newcomer Demone Harris made an immediate impact, recording a would-be sack in his first practice with the team.
Cornerback Chase Lucas recorded the day’s only interception, while Dallis Flowers broke up a deep pass attempt from Smith to WR Tre Tucker.
Rookie DT Alfred Collins saw increased first-team reps following West’s injury and registered a would-be sack against Smith.
Ji’Ayir Brown and Marques Sigle were the starting safeties, while cornerbacks Darrell Luter Jr. and Derrick Canteen surrendered a touchdown to Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers. Deommodore Lenoir gave up a 35-yard reception from Smith to Tucker.
Special Teams
Kicker Jake Moody successfully made his lone field goal attempt from approximately 50 yards.
Upcoming Schedule
The 49ers will not hold another full practice until after their preseason game against the Raiders. The dates and times for next week’s practice sessions will be announced later.