The San Francisco 49ers moved another step closer to their preseason opener, wrapping up their ninth practice of training camp. It was a day with some big plays, with NaVorro Bowman and DeAndrew White showing up in a big way. The former is expected to make big plays, while the latter will have something big to prove on Saturday in the preseason opener.
NaVorro Bowman
Bowman had a big play in which he intercepted Colin Kaepernick, and likely would have had a pick-six in real action. Grant Cohn broke down the play leading up to it, and then the interception play, and it was rather interesting back-and-forth between Kap and Bowman. On the previous play, Bowman seemed to have a sack, and Kap got in his face a bit after the play. On the ensuing play, Bowman picked off the pass and eyed Kap as he was running it back.
DeAndrew White
White had a big 50-yard touchdown reception in which he hauled in a pass from Dylan Thompson with only one hand. It is just one play, but these add up. It gives him serious momentum heading into the preseason opener. I am very curious to see where on the depth chart he is playing this weekend. I would expect him to get some non-4th quarter playing time, but could he end up playing early on after the starters depart?
Tank Carradine
Tank had three sacks, according to Matt Barrows. He got one on each of the quarterbacks, and Barrows reported that he looked good going against Alex Boone in one-on-one pass rush drills. It is safe to say he will get extensive opportunities this year. Part of it will depend on how much the 49ers use their nickel.
Reggie Bush
It really sounds like he is looking good in fairly limited work. He is on a rep count, but he seems to be making the most of it. Cohn said he had seven receptions in team drills, with no drops. His ability in the passing game could prove critical for this developing offense.
Nick Moody
Nick Moody had his third interception of training camp, this one coming in a 7-on-7 drill. The longer Michael Wilhoite is out, the more it seems like Moody is securing a starting role in this defense. It seems unlikely Wilhoite will play this weekend, and if he misses next week's game as well, his starting job might officially be lost.
No injuries
There were no injuries of note, and the injured players continuing doing their work. Barrows had updates on Daniel Kilgore (boot from previously cane, and crutches before that), and Jimmie Ward (working with strength and conditioning coaches). As long as there are no new injuries, it is a good thing.
For now, here are the two published practice reports. I'm dropping in the 49ers media Twitter list below that, so you'll see tweets about practice and practice recaps showing up in there. I'll add in some links later when they come available.
Matt Barrows
Chris Biderman
Grant Cohn
Jimmy Durkin
Tweets from https://twitter.com/NinersNation/lists/niners-media