49ers training camp practice recap, August 6: Jaquiski Tartt returns, offense leads in pad-less practice

The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their sixth practice of training camp on Saturday, and went with a fairly low key approach. After three straight practices featuring pads, the unit went without pads, and had its shortest session of camp. Given the lack of pads, it is no surprise the offense got the better of the defense. Jim O’Neil and players have talked about the physicality of some of the younger players, sometimes going beyond what officials will allow in games. Without that physicality on Saturday, we see some changes.

Jaquiski Tartt activated

The 49ers 2015 second round pick was activated off the Active/NFI list and is back at practice. The team used him in some three-safety formations, which is how we will most likely see him in 2016. Barring injuries elsewhere, Tartt will get work in nickel and dime packages. It gives the 49ers more options on a regular basis. They could go with a nickel back in longer passing situations, and Tartt in some shorter passing situations that might bring a run. That’s great versatility to have.

Quarterback competition

Grant Cohn reported that we saw the 49ers quarterbacks get some use under center. HIs report suggests the offense has operated almost exclusively out of the shotgun thus far. Kelly goes heavy on the shotgun, but given some of the questions about the offense late in his Eagles tenure, I wonder if we see him balance it out just a little bit.

Quinton Patton doing things

Reports have been consistently positive with regard to Patton. He had a big opportunity with Anquan Boldin’s departure, and he faces one less competitor now that Eric Rogers is out for the season. Ideally he steps up as the intermediate threat to Torrey Smith’s deep thread.

Some pictures, video

Practice reports

49ers.com
Chris Biderman
Matt Barrows
Grant Cohn