49ers training camp recap: Bosa continues to shine on Day 7

The San Francisco 49ers’ second-overall pick has met expectations so far through seven practices. After racking up multiple sacks and pressures on Friday, Bosa started hot on Saturday, sacking quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo on the first play of team period.

Veteran tackle Joe Staley spoke with Bosa after Friday’s practice to pick the rookie’s brain on how he approaches the battles between the two. Bosa has gotten the better of both Staley and right tackle Mike McGlinchey on multiple occasions. It’s been an impressive showing so far for the rookie.

The rest of the 49ers’ seventh practice was another back-and-forth affair for the offense and defense. Garoppolo completed seven passes on 12 attempts during the team portion that included some red-zone work. He threw two touchdowns inside the 20 and avoided an interception during the move-the-ball period that was dropped by safety Jaquiski Tartt.

On one play, Garoppolo targeted tight end George Kittle streaking down the seam of the defense. The ball was well placed, allowing Kittle to leap up and over linebacker Malcolm Smith for the touchdown. If Kittle can develop his ability to win contested catches, he could be more dangerous than he was in 2018. Garoppolo’s second touchdown was on a shovel pass to Trent Taylor, who darted through the defense and was tackled at the goal line but made it into the endzone.

The 1-on-1 red zone period of practice was dominated by the receivers, as it should be. Third-round rookie receiver Jalen Hurd had an impressive showing, outmuscling the cornerbacks for multiple receptions. Wideouts Kendrick Bourne and Taylor both had diving receptions for would-be touchdowns. Dante Pettis, Marquise Goodwin, and Deebo Samuel put their route-running prowess on display. Standing out among the defensive back was Jason Verrett, who was the only corner to win multiple reps.

Notes

• Kicker Robbie Gould got his moment on Day 7, kicking extra points following scores during the team’s red zone period. Gould was 3-for-3 along with holder/punter Mitch Wishnowsky.
• Pettis had another strong day, reeling in multiple receptions from all three quarterbacks. On one hitch from CJ Beathard, Pettis broke outside and sent the linebacker stumbling, darting upfield to add 10-15 yards after the catch. Pettis’ unorthodox movement is a key to his success both in the passing game and on special teams.
• The 49ers featured Hurd on a play-action sweep play that went for big yards. Hurd had an impressive top speed on the play considering his size. As a former running back, Hurd is dangerous in the open field and would be difficult to bring down for opposing secondaries.
• Rookie Deebo Samuel was the focus of a pair of big plays on Saturday. CJ Beathard targeted the second-rounder during the red zone period, who got open against sixth-round rookie cornerback Tim Harris. Samuel reeled in the touchdown and held on despite Harris’ attempts to rip the ball away. On the second, Garoppolo targeted Samuel over the middle, but the throw was late. Tartt jumped the route and should’ve brought in Garoppolo’s first interception of training camp, but he couldn’t hold on, the ball falling to the turf to the disappointment of the defense.
• Players that didn’t participate on Saturday: DT DeForest Buckner (toe), DE Dee Ford (knee tendinitis), FS Jimmie Ward (collarbone), RB Jeff Wilson (calf) , G Joshua Garnett (finger) and CB Ahkello Witherspoon (glute). OT Joe Staley and CB Richard Sherman were given vets days off.
• The 49ers waived WR Max McCaffrey and placed DL Kapron Lewis-Moore (groin) on injured reserve. The team signed WR Chris Thompson and DL Jay Bromley to fill their spots on the 90-man roster.
• The 49ers return for their eighth practice of training camp on Sunday, beginning at 10:15 am PST.