It was the second day that the media was able to attend practice for the San Francisco 49ers. Let’s discuss their tweets.
Jalen Hurd went to the ground while working individually on a side field with strength coach. He was on the ground for a few minutes, got up slowly and walked off under own power. Will update when there’s more info.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 16, 2020
Hurd was supposed to be eased back into practice. It’s nice that he walked off under his own power, but these are the type of tweets that will drive fans crazy. Kyle Shanahan is expected to speak shortly. We’ll update once that Shanahan speaks on Hurd’s injury.
Interesting wrinkle in the #49ers secondary today. Jason Verrett worked extensively with the first-team at left cornerback. Richard Sherman, who’s normally in that spot, played on the right side.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) August 16, 2020
This is interesting on a couple of levels. For starters, Sherm never plays on the right side. I’d imagine you could count on one hand how many times Sherman has played RCB in his career. Secondly, Verrett getting first-team reps comes as a surprise as well. K’Waun Williams didn’t practice today. I wonder if Emmanuel Moseley slid inside in the slot, then Verrett kicks outside. Will Verrett stay healthy? His talent isn’t an issue.
Speaking of Verrett, he got a lot of work with the first-team defense opposite Richard Sherman today. Verrett on the left side, Sherman on the right. Moseley and Witherspoon with the 2s.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) August 16, 2020
#49ers offensive play of day:
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 16, 2020
Brandon Aiyuk so smooth on over-shoulder catch of 50-yard TD pass from Garoppolo, step past Jason Verrett
Defensive Plays: Bosa d. TrentW in 11s; Marcell Harris INT one of Garoppolo’s overthrows
Bad news: Jalen Hurd left early, fell with trainer pic.twitter.com/RVhG8jFkg5
Fans will remember Verrett against the Steelers and see this tweet then think Verrett shouldn’t start. I think this is more about Aiyuk’s ability. Having a vertical threat is great for Jimmy G. Aiyuk isn’t just a speedy receiver; he has the athletic ability to adjust and jump to high-point Jimmy’s passes.
Arik Armstead sat out his second day with back tightness. Kyle Shanahan said on Saturday he is not concerned.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 16, 2020
Shanahan said on Saturday that the team will keep Armstead out for the next couple of practices.
#49ers Training camp Day 2
— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) August 16, 2020
Arik Armstead sat out of practice for the second day in a row with back tightness.
On returns today:
Dante Pettis
Brandon Aiyuk
Jerick McKinnon
JJ Nelson
Pettis and Aiyuk as punt returners make the most sense. They’re your two most explosive options. I’d put McKinnon as the kick returner if Richie James isn’t healthy.
Observations Day 2 #49ers training camp:
— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) August 16, 2020
TE Charlie Woerner showed some legit moves on one on ones
RB Jerick McKinnon was showing his agility in his route running
WR Brandon Aiyuk has some wheels/moves - had one of the best catches of 7s out running Jason Verrett
Woerner moves better than he gets credit for, so that’s nice to hear that he’s making plays at practice. He’s already a dominant blocker. If Woerner can add anything in the passing game, he has a bright future.
Nick Bosa was excellent today. Sacked Jimmy Garoppolo and blew up a Raheem Mostert sweep on the next play in 11s. In one-on-ones, beat Trent Williams with an inside move and then Williams put him on his ass the next rep. Those two are fun to watch against each other. #49ers
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) August 16, 2020
This matchup between Bosa and Williams is must-see.
Biggest takeaway from today's practice: Rookie WR Brandon Aiyuk had three long receptions (1 on 7-on-7 work), with all the passes coming from Jimmy Garoppolo. #49ers
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) August 16, 2020
If Aiyuk can consistently stretch the field, look out.