The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up another day of practice, moving one step closer to their second preseason game, against the Dallas Cowboys. We got a little more insight into the depth chart, a minor fight broke out, and the 49ers avoided injuries in today's practice. All in all, just another day. I have posted links to the full practice reports at the bottom.
Aaron Lynch back in the swing of things
Well, that didn't take long. In his second day back in team drills, Aaron Lynch was back in the starting lineup. Grant Cohn said he lined up at left outside linebacker in the base defense, and left defensive end in the nickel. Corey Lemonier was handling that work following Aldon Smith's release, but it seems like his opportunity might have passed. He had a strong bull-rush in the preseason opener, but otherwise did not show any improvement in developing another move.
Quinton Patton is smart and dumb
Apparently Patton got into it with Tank Carradine. According to Matt Barrows, Patton might have taken exception to a hit Tank put on a running back. Patton apparently shoved Tank, at which point Tank turned on him. Patton backpedaled away, and according to Grant Cohn, took a swing at Tank before the two were fully separated. Patton: stupid for going after Tank, smart for running for dear life.
Cornerback depth chart
The 49ers continue to mix things up in the secondary. Through the first two weeks, Tramaine Brock and Shareece Wright were the starters, with Dontae Johnson coming on in the nickel and Brock moving to the slot. The last two days, Keith Reaser has replaced Wright with the first team defense. On Wednesday, when the 49ers moved into their nickel, Kenneth Acker came on outside, while Brock continued handling the slot role.
I don't think this means Reaser and Acker have climbed up the depth chart, but it is intriguing to see them get a significant opportunity. Sunday's game will be interesting to track for depth chart purposes.
Jaquiski Tartt and the dime
According to Grant Cohn, the 49ers got in extensive work in their dime, and Jaquiski Tartt was the sixth defensive back. Cohn said Tartt lined up next to NaVorro Bowman in the reps. We have talked about the potential for the 49ers to use a big nickel. While this is dime, it follows the idea of Tartt playing in a potential linebacker-type role in the pass defense.
NaVorro Bowman practices without his knee brace
The 49ers star inside linebacker is still working toward his preseason debut, after sitting out Week 1 against the Houston Texans. He practiced without his knee brace. It does not mean he will be playing on Sunday, but it is a good sign.