The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their fourth day of practice on Thursday, and the reports all suggest it was not a good day for the offense. There were some big plays, including a 60-yard touchdown pass from Colin Kaepernick to Torrey Smith, but for the most part it was not pretty.
#49ers QB Watch, Practice #4:
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 4, 2016
11on11 stats
Gabbert 4-of-13, nice TD to White
Kaepernick 6-of-14, nice TD to Smith
Often times, it seems like when you have a legitimate quarterback competition in training camp, you probably have some big questions at the position. Any thoughts on the last training camp QB competition where fans felt comfortable that whomever won the competition, the team would be in a good position? The 49ers could turn out fine with the winner of this QB competition, but it’s hard to get psyched about it for the time being.
The Oregon Wall is looking good
I still don’t know what to call the duo of Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner (“Twin Towers” feels a little weird), but they’re looking good according to all reports. Armstead in particular is getting heavy praise among the players and the media. If the 49ers get a strong presence from their defensive line this fall, the defense could take a huge step forward.
Rashard Robinson pushing the competition
We’ll have some more on Robinson in the AM with his post-practice comments, but reports suggest a strong performance on Thursday. He’s got the size that is all the rage among NFL cornerbacks. If the rust is shaken off after sitting out for a year-and-a-half, he very well could push for serious playing time at some point in his rookie season.
Depth chart changes
Right side of the line: Anthony Davis (RT) and Joshua Garnett (RG) moved up to the second team offensive line during a red zone drill near the end of practice. This is a notable step forward.
Inside linebacker: Michael Wilhoite was back at the first team ILB role as the rotation continues with Gerald Hodges and Ray-Ray Armstrong.
Nickel back: Chris Davis and Keith Reaser got first team work, as they compete with Will Redmond for the role. I don’t know the exact split of nickel snaps thus far.
Injury report
Torrey Smith: Tweaked his knee and left practice early under his own power.
Bruce Ellington: Reports of hamstring discomfort but he continued to practice, and then a finger injury that is being described as either jammed or dislocated on a Colin Kaepernick pass Jimmie Ward broke up
Eric Rogers: Suffered ankle or knee injury media is describing as a tweak.
Practice reports
49ers.com
Cam Inman
Grant Cohn
Matt Maiocco
Matt Barrows
Chris Biderman