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The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their thirteenth day of practice as training camp and preseason have begun to mix together. The 49ers will have open practices through Wednesday, a mock game on Thursday that is closed to the media, and then their second preseason game of the year on Friday.
Sunday's practice sounds like it was infinitely crisper than Saturday's Fan Fest practice. Colin Kaepernick connected on a 60-yard touchdown pass to Vernon Davis, along with a pair of 40-yard passes. The writers are describing this as Kap's best practice thus far. He also connected on three passes with Kyle Williams, and Barrows thinks Williams looked on track to play, and potentially start this Friday against the Chiefs.
When Michael Crabtree went down, there was a lot of concern about the state of the 49ers passing game. There are still plenty of questions, but after one game, I remain optimistic about the passing attack. Kap has built something with Anquan Boldin, and it sounds like Kap and Davis are building steam. In Thursday's game, Vance McDonald showed off an array of receiving skills. If the 49ers can get more consistent play out of their number two tight end, replacing Crabtree's production is not quite as difficult a task. It's only been a couple weeks of practice, and one game, so I certainly do not want to get ahead of myself. That being said, I'm rather intrigued by how this develops.
The injury report does not sound too serious at this point. Vance McDonald and Tramaine Brock both sat out team drills, with this marking Brock's second straight day. Tarell Brown, Jewel Hampton, Joe Staley, and Raymond Ventrone all sat out practice. All indications are that these injuries are all relatively minor. In the case of Staley and Brown, there is no need to hustle them back this early in the preseason. Sitting Staley and Brown gives some of the reserves a chance to show more of what they can do.
Colt McCoy was back at practice after wearing a non-contact jersey on Saturday. Eric Reid was a full-go after missing some time during Saturday's practice. Reid split first-team free safety reps with Craig Dahl. Vic Fangio has repeatedly stated they are rotating the free safeties. Dahl got the start against the Broncos, so we'll see who gets the start Friday against the Chiefs. My guess is Eric Reid, but we'll see.
The absence of Tarell Brown and Tramaine Brock, in particular, had a ripple effect on the corner competition. Nnamdi Asomugha moved into his starting slot opposite Carlos Rogers in the base defense. Perrish Cox came on as the nickel corner. Cox has been solid in camp, and had a big game on Thursday.
Practice Reports
49ers.com
Matt Barrows
Chris Biderman
Grant Cohn
Christian Gin
Matt Maiocco