49ers training camp practice recap, 8/2: Defense steps up

The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their second day of training camp practice on Sunday. The team has one more day of unpadded practice, and then on Tuesday they will put on the pads. Things take a big step forward in assessment once the pads are on.

The 49ers made it through another day of fairly healthy work. Issac Blakeney and Ian Williams did not take part with the former dealing with a minor leg strain, and the latter dealing with a knee contusion. Neither injury is believed to be serious. We keep our fingers crossed each day on the injury front.

We're back with a look at some of the beat writer practice reports. Jennifer Lee Chan will be back with her thoughts tomorrow morning. In the meantime, this recap is based on the 49ers media Twitter list, and beat writer recaps from:

Cam Inman
Grant Cohn
49ers.com
Matt Maiocco
Matt Barrows
Paul Gutierrez

It's getting late out here on the east coast, so I'll add in links to the other practice recaps a little later. And of course, we'll have all the practice recaps in the Golden Nuggets, which go live at 2 a.m. PT.

Working on the nickel

The 49ers got some nickel work in, and the first string defensive line had some intrigue. Darnell Dockett did not get in on the team drills for the second straight day. The nickel line included Quinton Dial and Tank Carradine at defensive tackle, and Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks at defensive end. It sounds like Aaron Lynch is still sidelined for team drills. He dealt with a hamstring injury in the offseason workout program, and opened training camp on the NFI list. He was removed earlier this week, but the team is taking their time getting him back on the field for team drills.

Jimmie Ward is doing individual work, but not team drills. In the first team nickel, the 49ers went with Shareece Wright and Dontae Johnson on the outside, and Tramaine Brock covering the slot. Brock has gotten some love on Twitter from those in attendance. If he can stay healthy, I can see him making a strong case for the No. 1 cornerback role.

I have not heard Keith Reaser's name mentioned these first two days. That is not necessarily bad, but it is just something to note. I continue to wait for the cornerback depth chart when the 49ers hit the field for their preseason opener.

Ahmad Brooks looking solid

A year ago, Vic Fangio talked about Brooks being out of shape at the start of training camp. He dealt with discipline issues, opening the door for a potential release this year if he did not get it together. Two days into camp, Brooks seems to recognize the urgency of the situation. Cam Inman and Chris Biderman were among those reporting solid work from Brooks. The addition of Eli Harold only added to the situation, but if Brooks can have a strong camp, the 49ers outside linebacker depth will be impressive.

Okoye watch

The 49ers played Lawrence Okoye and Corey Lemonier at defensive end in their nickel. Lemonier is not a surprise, but it is intriguing to see the 49ers use Okoye in a pass rush role. We'll learn more about where Okoye stands once pads go on and there is some hitting. But it is still interesting to see him get second team work with the nickel as a pass rusher.

Bruce Ellington, DeAndrew White do solid work on offense, special teams

The practice reports indicate things were a bit off-track on offense. However, Bruce Ellington and DeAndrew White both got some positive comments. Ellington apparently ran a kickoff back for a touchdown, and had a couple nice catches. I think he is looking at a dynamic role in 2015 if he can stay healthy. He dealt with a hamstring strain earlier in the offseason, but if healthy, he could be a significant playmaker for this team.

DeAndrew White seems to be carrying over his strong minicamp to training camp. Reports have him making nice catches each of the first two practices. Additionally, the 49ers have White doing some kick return work. Getting this kind of special teams work combined with his strong receiving work bodes well for him in his attempts to earn a roster spot as a UDFA. Here is some video of White making a big catch on Saturday.

#C4M9 1-on-1 highlight courtesy of @Deuce_Dwhite. Enjoy. https://t.co/0BjPAz2ALe

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 2, 2015

Injury report

Along with Dockett and Lynch, Reggie Bush sat out work for a second straight day. Jim Tomsula said on Saturday Bush was looking a bit tight after his conditioning test on Friday. It sounds fairly pre-emptive, but given Bush's injury history, we'll have to wait and see what the next few days bring.

NaVorro Bowman is back at practice and appears to be 100 percent. However, he is splitting time where a knee brace. Bowman acknowledged he would wear on in practice, but it appears he is trying to split his time in the brace

During team drills @NBowman53 has on his knee brace. During individual drills he didn't.

— Jennifer Chan (@jenniferleechan) August 3, 2015