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49ers training camp recap: Defensive line looking strong, offensive line not so much

The San Francisco 49ers finished up their first padded practice of training camp on Tuesday. There was live contact, but not live tackling. Nobody got hurt, but the offensive line continued to struggle. We take a look at some of the top storylines from the session. Get all your 2015 training camp news and analysis HERE.

By David Fucillo
@49ers on Twitter

The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their fourth day of training camp on Tuesday. This was a big one as players sported pads for the first time. There was no live tackling, but we got to see more physical pass protection and bump-and-run coverage. The 49ers return to Levi's Stadium on Wednesday for a 6 p.m. practice, and then have Thursday off.

As always, the most important thing to come out of Tuesday's practice was no notable injuries. We'll find out more tomorrow, but for now, no big issues arose during the session. And so, we're back with a recap of the practice recaps. I've linked the various practice reports down below. I also dropped in the 49ers Twitter media list so you can see the many tweets from during practice.

Offensive line vs. Defensive line

It is safe to say this is now a running theme. The right side of the offensive line struggled once again, and even Joe Staley had his hands full in working against Aldon Smith. Matt Maiocco counted what would have been nine sacks among 43 passes attempted in 11-on-11 drills. That's kinda bad.

I mentioned previously about the line dealing with transition and needing to gel together. Many will just assume the talent level is not high enough. I am not inclined to go down that rabbit hole quite yet. It is possible the line will just be crappy and that will be that. We'll find out real soon about that.

On the other hand, maybe the defensive front is going to be just that good. This is sort of a chicken or egg type of deal, but I am feeling pretty good about the 49ers defensive front.

Days off

NaVorro Bowman sat out practice, and it appears the team confirmed it as just a veteran's day off. Getting back into padded live action will be another big step in his return from his knee injury.

Jerome Simpson was excused from practice for personal reasons, and this marked his second straight absence from practice. There is no word on the reasons.

Jarryd Hayne survives in pads

Tuesday marked Jarryd Hayne's first practice in pads, and it sounds like he held his own. He took a big hit from Nick Moody in a pass protection drill, but seemed to withstand the shot and not look overwhelmed. The next step will be getting into live tackling drills and then the preseason action.

Arik Armstead getting plaudits

These are just basic practice reports, so take them with a grain of salt. For now though, Arik Armstead is showing up over and over again in the positive side of practice reports. Darnell Dockett suggested earlier that Armstead has a higher ceiling than Calais Campbell, but it would come down to how bad he wants it. He seems to be off to a good start through eight days with the team. I'm really excited to see what he does in a week and a half against the Houston Texans.

Matt Barrows
Matt Maiocco
Chris Biderman
Cam Inman
Eric Branch
49ers.com
Grant Cohn

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