The San Francisco 49ers opened the first of two practices they will hold during their final minicamp of the offseason. Kyle Shanahan told the media that there will not be a third practice because he has found them counter productive in the past. He thinks the players see it as the “last day of school” prior to summer break and believes there's more risk than reward, especially in regards to injury.
At first the players were excited that they wouldn’t have a third day of practice. Then they found out that they would have a two hour session with strength and conditioning coach Ray Wright and several players told Shanahan they’d rather practice. Here's a few other things we learned at minicamp:
The Gang’s all here
The 49ers have had full attendance throughout the offseason. Shanahan commented on the commitment:
You never know how it’s going to work out, especially when you don’t know everyone, when you’re new. We had everyone show up the first day, which I think with a new staff, usually that happens, but you like to see how it ends up throughout the whole time. Our turnout has been great. I’ve been very excited with our players, not just from a talent standpoint, but the type of people they are. Guys have been consistent working every day, which is how our team has been. It’s only been a few months, but it’s been very encouraging so far
Elvis is in the building
Elvis Dumervil, the newest addition to the defense, has arrived in Santa Clara and began meeting his teammates. He will not be participating in practice after missing the majority of the offseason. Shanahan believes it will be more productive to get him on the field during training camp.
A precautionary tale
Ahmad Brooks, Rashard Robinson, K’Waun Williams and Norman Price all worked out on the side of the practice field and did not participate in team drills. Shanahan reported that they were held out to keep injuries to a minimum because it’s more important to have them full go at training camp after the break. On the flip side, Jeremy Zuttah and Raheem Mostert returned to participating in team drills after being held out for minor injuries.
The offense had a better day
The defense has dominated practices that the media has been able to attend but Shanahan and several players say that’s not been the case at every practice. Today was proof of a balanced practice that wasn't weighted heavily on either side. The offense moved the ball efficiently at times but didn’t overpower the defense. The day included 11-on-11 drills in a two minute and red zone situations.
Brian Hoyer throws it deep
The media had yet to see Hoyer throw the ball deep at practice. Maybe it was a coincidence or maybe Shanahan dialed a few more of them up just satisfy everyone’s curiosity. One of the top plays of the day was play action to Tim Hightower and a deep pass to speedster Marquise Goodwin who had gotten decent separation from cornerback Keith Reaser. Hoyer also threw a touchdown pass to rookie tight end George Kittle after play action to Mostert.
The defense still holds it down
While the offense had a better performance, the defense still had some big plays. NaVorro Bowman and Vinnie Sunseri both had interceptions, Arik Armstead and Sunseri both recorded sacks. Eli Harold and Dontae Johnson recorded PBUs.
C.J. Beathard has signed his contract
The team made it official right before practice when Beathard finally signed a four year contract. Solomon Thomas is the only rookie who has not yet signed his contract. He cannot report for camp until Thursday due to the school rule that doesn’t allow a player to participate until all final exams have been completed if he has ceased taking classes. If a player is attending classes, like Kendrick Bourne, they can attend camp after they have finished their own personal final exams.
Guests in attendance
Mike Shanahan visited practice and stood on the sidelines during drills. Maurice Jones-Drew and several members of the UCLA coaching staff also observed practice on the sidelines.