The San Francisco 49ers are dealing with several injuries in their offseason workout program, and while all are expected to be ready for training camp, it does still provide a chance for other players to get opportunities further up the depth chart.
Dekoda Watson suffered a calf injury on Tuesday that looked worse than it ended up being. In his absence, Pita Taumoepenu took on second string SAM linebacker work behind Eli Harold. Taumoepenu is a work in progress, but every extra rep is big for the raw, developing prospect.
Jimmie Ward and Richard Sherman were back for individual drills at minicamp, but both will not take part in team drills until training camp. This has resulted in other players getting first team cornerback snaps opposite Ahkello Witherspoon. Most notably, Tyvis Powell and rookie Tarvarius Moore rotated on the day.
Finally, Jonathan Cooper is sidelined from team drills while he finishes up rehab for the MCL surgery he had in January. Laken Tomlinson and Joshua Garnett have been getting first team work, but veteran Mike Person has rotated with Garnett in open practices. He has played guard and center during his career, which bodes well for earning a utility role. He and Erik Magnuson could be competing for that job.