What would a training camp be for the San Francisco 49ers without a soul-crushing injury update? For the most part, the 49ers were healthy coming into camp. Even the players on the PUP list were not considered a big deal, with returns on the horizon for all four players. Fast forward to the day after day three of open practices, and there is a huge amount of concern. Let’s run down three notes from day three of training camp for the 49ers.
Ricky Pearsall’s knee swelling is a cause for major concern
Pearsall dealt with a PCL issue in his knee last season, but the thought was that an offseason of rest would rectify the issue. Well, here we are with swelling in the same knee, and the team announced there is concern and “everything is on the table.” That means it could just be a wait-and-see approach for Pearsall to see if the swelling goes down, or he could opt for surgery to repair the PCL.
This isn’t a simple answer either. If they opt for a wait-and-see approach, then a plan to monitor the issue and his practice time has to be in place. If surgery is the move, that will end his season. Matt Maiocco went on KNBR and explained the timeline and the possibility of Pearsall missing the season.
In the meantime, this is a golden opportunity for rookie wide receiver D’Zhaun Stribling to take command of a role. Anyone know what Deebo Samuel is up to these days?
D’Zhaun Stribling continues to impress
Opportunity pops up for players very quickly. Before the news of Pearsall’s injury, Stribling was already turning heads. The difference now is that Stribling is in line for a large role in the offense, as opposed to a role similar to Jauan Jennings in 2023. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner envisions Stribling’s role in the offense and where he would line up.
“Rookie De’Zhaun Stribling was already making a positive first impression, and that continued on Wednesday. He’s fast but has a smooth speed that seems to allow him to accelerate and decelerate with little issue. He’s also big enough and unafraid to go over the middle. Had him down for five more catches Wednesday, including a nice job climbing the ladder on a high pass over the middle from Adrian Martinez. It’s hard to say how things will shake out in terms of alignment, but Stribling is working all three spots right now. My early guess: If Pearsall misses time, they’d like to go with Kirk or Demarcus Robinson at ‘Z’ and let Stribling handle the ‘Y.’”
Jack Jones isn’t going quietly from the CB2 battle
The 49ers signed Jones in the offseason with a reputation for being a ball hawk and someone who creates turnovers. Also, to send a message to Renardo Green. Green has turned heads under Raheem Morris so far, but Jones continues to put pressure on the young cornerback. Jones intercepted another pass on Wednesday intended for Jacob Cowing.
Jones is a feast-or-famine type cornerback, but it is nice to know the 49ers have some semblance of reliable depth in the secondary. Green is still the frontrunner for the job, but Jones isn’t making that decision easy. That is a good thing.
