Here is what some of the San Francisco 49ers beat writers had to say about today's practice held at the team headquarters.
Cam Inman, The Mercury News:
Defensive back Jimmie Ward, last year's top draft pick, started practicing this week with his twice-broken right foot protected by a plastic clamp inside his cleat.
Aaron Lynch says he's no longer hindered by a back injury that kept him off the field and caused him to gain weight.
Nick Bellore (illness) was activated off the non-football-injury list, and fellow linebacker Michael Wilhoite (leg) might soon be as well after an encouraging MRI exam, Tomsula said.
Chris Biderman, Niners Digest:
Carradine and wide receiver Quinton Patton had to be separated along the offensive sideline, after the two got tangled following a Carlos Hyde running play.
Next week, the 49ers travel to Denver to have two camp practices at the Broncos' facility leading up to their preseason game Saturday Aug. 29. In lieu of recent dust ups in joint practices - Tomsula said he's not worried about fights with the Broncos.
On the practice field, a few players began to work with different teams. Most notably, Aaron Lynch received first-team reps at his customary right outside linebacker spot, both in base and nickel formations.
NaVorro Bowman practiced Wednesday without the brace on his surgically repaired left knee that he famously said he wanted to "light it on fire" in the offseason.
Read all of Chris Biderman's notes
Matt Maiocco, CSN Bay Area:
In just his second day back to 11-on-11 work, Aaron Lynch lined up at left outside linebacker with the 49ers' first unit in place of Corey Lemonier.
And impressive first-year player Keith Reaser continued to work with the first unit at left cornerback. Reaser has taken over for veteran Shareece Wright, who has lined up with that squad since the opening of camp.
Tank Carradine mixed it up on the practice field for the second day in a row. However, this time was with receiver Quinton Patton, who reportedly took a swipe at Carradine, who outweighs him by at least 90 pounds.
Read all of Matt Maiocco's notes
Matt Barrows, The Sacramento Bee:
After a running play, receiver Quinton Patton seemed to take exception to a hit by Carradine on the running back. He gave Carradine, who is 295 pounds, a shove, at which point Carradine charged the 205-pound Patton on the sideline. The two were quickly separated but the minor melee broke the rhythm of practice that Tomsula and his coaches have been trying to build.
Another practice, another milestone for linebacker NaVorro Bowman. He went through Wednesday's session without the knee brace he has openly loathed because it slows him down.
It was a strong day for the 49ers' tight ends with Vernon Davis, Vance McDonaldand Garrett Celek all catch multiple passes.
Gabbert also continues to look good. Yes, in terms of pressing the ball deep downfield, Gabbert makes Alex Smith look like Dan Fouts. But he's efficient and is particularly fond of his tight ends.
Read all of Matt Barrows' notes
Grant Cohn, The Press Democrat:
Aaron Lynch: Started at left outside linebacker in the first-string base defense and at left defensive end in the first-string sub-packages. Today was only Lynch's second day of team drills, and he already seems to have taken Corey Lemonier's job.
Brock and Reaser frequently switched sides – sometimes Reaser lined up on the left, and sometimes Brock would.
Acker was targeted six times during team drills, and he gave up only two short catches. He also broke up three passes. He seems much better than second-year cornerback Dontae Johnson, who played with the third-string defense today.
