The major story from training camp for the San Francisco 49ers has been injuries. Still, while the injuries don’t seem season-altering and are more bumps and bruises, the 49ers are using caution; the best news is that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is inching closer to a return. Following his major car accident, the coach has been spotted out on the field for longer periods of time and is getting closer to the action on the field.
Yes, football is played by football players, but nobody is more important
to the 49ers than Shanahan.
Here are some news and notes from day eight of 49ers training camp:
The left guard competition has taken a turn
Early on in training camp, Connor Colby was running with the first-team offense since he has experience in the system. It did seem as if the 49ers were giving the second-year guard the first crack at the competition. Offensive line coach Chris Foerster called Colby “the incumbent.” He did state that veteran Robert Jones would also get a shot with the ones.
Fast forward to day eight, and Jones has run with the starting offense two straight practices. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner doesn’t know if the long-term answer at left guard is on the roster.
“Another day with the 1s at LG for Robert Jones, who is going to get a good look there, it seems. Connor Colby ran with the 2s and 3s again, including on the right side. And Pleasants got some more work at guard, too. My early read: The Niners are going to have to keep looking for the best option for LG. Not sure that person is on the roster, though the concussion for Carver Willis is unfortunate because he might have been able to force his way into the conversation.”
Jack Jones isn’t going away
The 49ers signed Jones this offseason in an effort to push third-year cornerback Renardo Green. The plan seems to be working, with Raheem Morris praising Green as the secondary as a whole has earned rave reviews during training camp. While I expect Green to start opposite Deommodore Lenoir, Jones is keeping himself in the conversation with what seems to be a highlight play each day of camp.
Wagoner shares the same sentiment.
“CB Jack Jones finds a way to make a play in practice nearly every day and did so again today. He jumped in front of a crosser from Mac Jones for Jordan Watkins for an interception. It wasn’t an easy one, either, as Jones tapped it to himself with his right hand then hauled it in.”
The depth at cornerback has never been better.
Demarcus Robinson has gone from bubble player to near lock for the roster
With Ricky Pearsall done for the season, the 49ers pivoted to bringing back Deebo Samuel. Christian Kirk is also banged up. Demarcus Robinson has gone from a luxury roster spot to a necessity. Mike Evans and De’Zhaun Stribling figure to dominate two-receiver sets, with Samuel being used all over the field in different situations, but Robinson is a veteran who has Shanahan’s trust.
Generally, if you don’t play special teams as a backup, you won’t make the roster, but Robinson is the exception. The six receivers the 49ers will likely keep are Evans, Stribling, Kirk, Samuel, Robinson, and Jacob Cowing. Jordan Watkins is on the outside looking in with no real development or special teams spot. Cowing has experience fielding punts in the NFL.
