49ers training camp recap, day 1: DL, Reuben Foster, WRs offer something for everyone

The San Francisco 49ers officially have one practice in the books. Over the next few weeks, we’ll hear a lot about this 15-yard pass, that long touchdown, or this “sack.” We’ll keep an eye on some of the notable reports like that, particularly if any players are dealing with drops or showing technique issues or promise. At the same time, the depth chart machinations are always fascinating to watch on a practice-by-practice basis. The team will try a lot of combinations, but it is worth seeing who consistently gets first team work, and who does not.

Jennifer Chan and/or Tracy Sandler will be on hand for a lot of the practices, but for all of them, we’ll also do our usual recap of the recaps. I’ll link to the beat writers at the bottom of the article, and pull out some of the more interesting aspects of what they saw for the day.

Offensive line

The 49ers are going to do a lot of rotating in this competition, but for day one, the primary starting line was Joe Staley, Joshua Garnett, Daniel Kilgore, Brandon Fusco, and Trent Brown. Jeremy Zuttah got some center snaps, and also got right guard work, while Garry Gilliam got some right tackle snaps. The most intriguing name for now is Zane Beadles. I imagine he’ll get some first team work at some point, but for now, it’s Garnett and Fusco.

Defensive line is looking good

We’re seeing plenty of rotation, but DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead seem to be looking good out of the gate. Check out Jerod Brown’s Rapid Reaction piece (next to Chris Biderman’s recap). He has some great info on how Buckner is working on his technique, and the strength and physicality Armstead showed in drills.

Solomon Thomas has arrived

Speaking of the defensive line, Solomon Thomas is officially signed. He did some conditioning work and observed the practice after putting pen to paper. Kyle Shanahan said he’ll be a full participant on Saturday. Tank Carradine and Ronald Blair have handled first and second-team strong defensive end work, respectively. Thomas is expected to compete there, but he’ll likely start practicing with the third string unit.

Reuben Foster looking solid

Speaking of the third team, Reuben Foster opened with them, but did eventually get some second team work. He grabbed a deflected pass and ran it back for a touchdown. Kyle Shanahan said on Thursday that Foster is as mentally ready as he could be, having done excellent work in the class room during the offseason workout program.

Wide receivers

Marquise Goodwin got a lot of praise for his first day of work. It sounds like his speed and elusiveness once he gets the ball in his hands could turn him into an important weapon. But I am a little more interested in DeAndre Smelter for today. He had a 25-yard reception that saw him use his body to fight through contact. It’s only one catch, but at 6’2, 227 pounds he is the biggest receiver on the roster. Pierre Garçon offers plenty of physicality, but maybe Smelter can sneak onto the roster thanks to his size. He was a raw route-runner coming out Georgia Tech, so a lot will depend on what he can do with that.

Injuries

• B.J. Johnson suffered a knee injury, and while he missed the remainder of practice after the injury, Matt Barrows reported it, “did not *appear* to be severe.”
• Also per Barrows, Dontae Johnson and Eric Reid collided on a play, and the former was helped off the field for that segment. It doesn’t sound like there were any issues after he left the field.

Practice recaps

49ers.com
Tracy Sandler
Chris Biderman (Rapid Reaction)
Kevin Jones
Matt Barrows
Cam Inman
Grant Cohn

Video

We’ll throw in a few videos and/or pictures as they pop up during practice.