The San Francisco 49ers' final day of organized team activities (OTAs) kicked off in typical Chip Kelly fashion, with music blasting as the team stretched and prepared for practice. The team will next reconvene for a mandatory minicamp from June 7 through 9.
There is no live contact permitted during OTAs. 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills with helmets are permitted, but cannot exceed six hours per day with a maximum of two hours on the field for any one player.
The following are some interesting observations from team beat writers.
Ryan Sakamoto of Niner Fans observed OLB Ahmad Brooks going into the weight room following stretching. Brooks has been rehabbing from an unknown injury that has been simply described as "nothing big."
#49ers NaVorro Bowman and OLB Ahmad Brooks pic.twitter.com/P95hwjDGlx
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) June 2, 2016
The 49ers did not escape today's practice without at least a minor injury. As reported earlier, CB Dontae Johnson went down with an injury to his left knee/leg at the end of practice while playing right cornerback. He was able to limp off of the practice field with some assistance. The extent of the injury is not yet known. Although, no major injuries have been reported through the team's entire OTAs.
RELATED CB Dontae Johnson limps off following 49ers practice
Blaine Gabbert continues to be the featured quarterback in practices. However, Colin Kaepernick was seen throwing passes on the actual practice field for the first time. However, he has not yet been cleared to practice with his teammates. Until today, Kaepernick had only been seen mimicking quarterback motions on the field or throwing with trainers on the side. "He appeared to be throwing the ball at approximately three-quarters velocity," said Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.
RELATED Colin Kaepernick returns to throwing passes on the practice field
#49ers Blaine Gabbert completes a pass to Bruce Ellington, who later had two drops in 11-on-11 action pic.twitter.com/ppgBgfuqGL
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) June 2, 2016
Coaching intern Andre Carter, a former 49ers defensive end, continues working with the team's defense.
Former #49ers Andre Carter, a coaching intern, works with Tank Carradine and Aaron Lynch on pass-rush moves pic.twitter.com/uTlZDozGHq
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) June 2, 2016
The only interception of practice went into the hands of CB Keith Reaser after the ball bounced off of the face mask of WR DeAndrew White. The pass was thrown by QB Thad Lewis.
Only interception of the day went to CB Keith Reaser after Thad Lewis' throw bounced off DeAndrew White's face mask.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) June 2, 2016
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee described the play like this:
The day's most exciting play happened at the end of practice when quarterback Thad Lewis seemed to have White open deep on the right side. Someone got a hand in White's face, however, and the ball bounced off his facemask into the hands of Keith Reaser, who was playing nickel cornerback with the second-team defense.
Bruce Miller continues his transition from fullback to tight end. Following practice, he stated that the opportunity to touch the football a little more has been fun and he is looking to show his versatility.
#49ers TE Bruce Miller talks about playing tight end. Saying it's fun. #SpotSakamoto pic.twitter.com/hBWwNGSOjq
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) June 2, 2016
Miller, along with Blake Bell, Busta Anderson, and Je'Rom Hamm, continues to battle for a backup tight end spot on the team.
Battle of #49ers backup tight ends: Bruce Miller, Blake Bell, Busta Anderson & Je'Ron Hamm pic.twitter.com/3TqnU4jgJa
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) June 2, 2016
Chris Biderman of Niners Wire stated that the most impressive rookies during OTAs (from what the media has seen of them) have been CB Rashard Robinson and OT Fahn Cooper. Cooper is pleasant news considering how poorly the team's offensive line performed in 2015.
In short, Cooper's been solid and versatile playing both RG and RT. Robinson has blanketed receivers in m2m coverage https://t.co/h5uNhDnPdv
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) June 2, 2016
Barrows stated that OT Trent Brown was not on hand for practice today. Brandon Thomas was at practice today, but kept out of all of the 11-on-11 sessions. He had been practicing with the first-team offense until today. Andrew Tiller took his spot.
Barrows also stated that both Gerald Hodges and Michael Wilhoite worked alongside ILB NaVorro Bowman today. Ray-Ray Armstrong was limited to the second team defense.
In regards to the wide receivers, Maiocco said the following:
It was a rough day for 49ers receiver Quinton Patton, who had multiple catchable passes glance off his hands during 7-on-7 and team drills. Bruce Ellington got off to a very good start, showing the best burst among the team's wide receivers while hauling in three passes from Blaine Gabbert.
Jimmie Ward continued to line up at the right cornerback spot. He has been at that spot for much of the open practices and it is entirely possible that he might seriously be in the running for a starting cornerback job opposite Tramaine Brock.
Maiocco calls RB Shaun Draughn an "early favorite" for the job behind starter Carlos Hyde.
