The San Francisco 49ers wrap up their offseason workout program on Thursday, but Wednesday marked the final practice of the period. The team had practices the first two days of minicamp, but this final day will be a family day of fun and games.
The offseason workout program is a chance to install the offense and defense, and get players up to speed and ready for training camp. However, more important than installing the scheme is staying healthy. Even without pads and full contact, devastating injuries can happen.
Fortunately, it appears the 49ers avoided any major injuries during OTAs and minicamp. Dekoda Watson injured his calf on Tuesday, and reporters thought it looked serious at the time. Fortunately it is being described as a calf strain, and according to Kyle Shanahan, "it doesn’t sound like we have any concern for training camp.”
On Wednesday, wide receivers Marquise Goodwin, Trent Taylor, and Dante Pettis all sat out practice. Taylor had an offseason surgery to clean up bone spurs in his back. Goodwin was dealing with a back injury, while Pettis was dealing with something described as minor. Goodwin and Pettis are expected to be fine the start of training camp. Taylor should be ready at or near the start of camp.
Richard Sherman (Achilles) and Jimmie Ward (forearm) are both recovering from 2017 injuries, but improved from just rehab to individual drills. Both appear to remain on pace to be ready at or near the start of training camp.
Jonathan Cooper and Brock Coyle are the other notable players absent from practice. Cooper had surgery in January on a torn MCL, and is continuing his rehab. Coyle also had surgery in January, for a torn labrum. Both are expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
But the big key is nobody suffered a major injury during OTAs or minicamp. The team reports for training camp in six weeks, and barring anything during the down time, the team should be in relatively good shape. We’ll see some names on the PUP and NFI list to start camp, but other than Kentavius Street and maybe Marcell Harris, none should miss extended time on those lists.