49ers Notebook: Training camp nearing an end; Pearsall, others return; Roster moves

With the preseason and most of training camp behind them, the San Francisco 49ers are shifting focus to the regular season. This week, the team is holding three practices—on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Next week, they will transition to their typical game week practice schedule.

In the meantime, here are a few noteworthy updates from Monday.

Players return to practice

Two players the 49ers hope will be key contributors returned to the practice field: rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and cornerback Isaac Yiadom.

Pearsall, who missed most of training camp and the entire preseason due to a shoulder subluxation (a partial dislocation), was back on the field, wearing a blue no-contact jersey.

Yiadom, who has been dealing with an ankle injury, participated in individual drills but worked on the side during team drills.

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Guard Spencer Burford also rejoined team drills. Matt Barrows of The Athletic noted that Burford took reps at right guard with the second-team unit while rookie Dominick Puni continued with the starters.

Several players sit out practice

The following players either sat out Monday's practice or were not seen during the session:

• WR Brandon Aiyuk (hold-in)
• G Aaron Banks (finger)
• DT Kalia Davis (knee)
• OL Jon Feliciano (knee)
• DE Lenard Floyd (knee)
• WR Danny Gray
• DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)
• RB Christian McCaffrey (calf)
• S George Odum (ankle)
• CB Ambry Thomas (forearm)
• LB Dee Winters (ankle)

In addition to Yiadom, wide receiver Jauan Jennings (oblique) worked on the side during team drills. McCaffrey, Floyd, and Banks did not practice at all but were also seen working on the side.

Roster cut-down begins

The 49ers began their roster cut-downs by parting ways with five players. Running backs Matt Breida and Ke'Shawn Vaughn were released, while punter Pressley Harvin, offensive lineman Lewis Kidd, and wide receiver Jontre Kirklin were waived.

Rosters must be trimmed to a maximum of 53 players by Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. PT. Some of these players could return, as the 49ers will begin assembling their practice squad on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. PT.

RELATED 49ers 2024 Roster Tracker: Cut-down to 53 players

Trent Williams contract in limbo

In addition to Brandon Aiyuk's contract situation, the most significant training camp storyline has been the status of All-Pro offensive lineman Trent Williams, who is seeking a restructured deal. Williams did not report to training camp and has been holding out.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that negotiations with Williams have not progressed much, raising concerns about his availability for Week 1. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN also noted that Williams is willing to extend his holdout if the 49ers don't meet his contract demands.

RELATED Schefter: I don't think there's been progress in contract talks with Williams

"This is a player who's made about $150 million in his career," Fowler said. "He's been taking up golf, kind of stayed away from the team, doing his own thing. Still training, of course, getting ready for the season, potentially, but he's not overly stressed to have to be out there right now."

RELATED Fowler: Trent Williams plans to continue holdout, Week 1 availability in question

Roster cut-down doesn't impact practice vibe

One might expect some of the lesser-known names on the roster to be a bit distracted during Monday's practice, with the 53-man roster cut-down deadline looming on Tuesday. However, cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. hasn't noticed any disruption in the 49ers' locker room vibe.

"At the end of the day, everybody knows how it is in the NFL," Luter explained. "Everything's a business. You know, within yourself, what you've done, what you put out on tape. So, we all just came here again, just treat this day like it was a normal day, just another work day, and tomorrow will take care of itself. Kind of, just don't worry about that, and just let tomorrow be what tomorrow is when it comes."

Key practice notes

Nick Wagoner of ESPN reported that Nick Zakelj and Ben Bartch continue to rotate at left guard with the starters. Zakelj is also getting reps at center with the second-team unit.

Quarterback Brock Purdy had a standout moment with a deep pass to wide receiver Ronnie Bell, who was covered by safety Ji'Ayir Brown—a play that would have been a touchdown in a game. However, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir got his hands on a Purdy pass, which linebacker Fred Warner and Brown nearly came away with their own. Once again, Purdy faced consistent pressure from the defense.

It wasn't all bad news for Purdy. His connection with wide receiver Deebo Samuel remained strong, with Samuel hauling in six of his passes during practice.

With Floyd and Gross-Matos sidelined, Robert Beal Jr. saw an increased workload. In the defensive backfield, rookie safety Malik Mustapha also received more reps with Odum out. Wagoner noted that Mustapha recorded a sack on Purdy, deflected a pass intended for tight end George Kittle, and had tight coverage on another pass from Purdy.

Practice videos

Below are some videos from Monday's practice. Note that none are from team drills, as the media must stop recording once that portion of practice begins.