On Wednesday, the San Francisco 49ers held their ninth practice since opening training camp on July 30. This was the only practice open to fans, who watched their team at Kezar Stadium in Golden Gate Park.
RELATED August 9 Training Camp Notes: Kaepernick looks sharp
Here are some notes from Wednesday's practice based on observations by the media.
Quarterbacks
Multiple members of the media pointed out the trouble that the quarterbacks had during practice. Both Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick struggled during 11-on-11 drills. Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area and Ryan Sakamoto of Niner Fans pointed out that Kaepernick continues to telegraph his throws and SS Antoine Bethea nearly took advantage with a interception, but could not hold on to the football.
"[Kaepernick] clearly not on the same page as the [wide receivers] today, Gabbert throwing the ball out of bounds in training camp," said Kevin Jones of KNBR. "Not the best day for the 49ers."
Defense dominating 11 on 11. QBs struggling, coverage tight.
— Aaron Erickson (@EricksonAaron44) August 10, 2016
"In full team drills, Gabbert, unofficially, hit his first six throws," said Chris Biderman of Niners Wire. "Most were of the short variety. He continued to hit his check-down options and find his running backs in the flat."
Gabbert would go on to finish 9 of 14 passing.
The 9,000 fans in the stands cheered loudly when Kaepernick came onto the field for practice, but he would go on to struggle in team drills.
"In Kaepernick's first team period, he completed one of two throws," continued Biderman. "But in the following seven-on-seven drill, Kaepernick had the worst stretch of practice we've seen during training camp. He completed 5 of 11 and was intercepted along the left sideline by linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong on a ball he was trying to throw away."
"Kaepernick's last rep of the day in team drills was a fumbled exchange on a zone-read play," said Biderman. "Gabbert's went 1-6 in his final full-team session."
"The only touchdown in seven-on-seven red-zone drills came from Thaddeus Lewis, who threw a dart to rookie Devon Cajuste," said Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
Offensive line
OT Trent Brown and OG Andrew Tiller worked well together against rookie DE DeForest Buckner in a double team drill, but Buckner still did well.
As expected, Chip's offense scheming guys open on drags and shake-outs. Ellington too quick for OLBS underneath.
— Aaron Erickson (@EricksonAaron44) August 10, 2016
Joe Staley says OL will be "10 times better" this year. Also said Armstead looks "10 times better" than 2015. He likes to say "10 times"
— Aaron Erickson (@EricksonAaron44) August 10, 2016
Linebackers
Eli Harold and Tank Carradine were disruptive during 11-on-11 drills, per Aaron Erickson. Ray-Ray Armstrong worked at inside linebacker with the first-team defense today.
"Outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks beat left tackle Joe Staley for a sack on an inside move during a red-zone drill for a sack," said Matt Maiocco.
Special teams
WR Bruce Ellington, the team's top contender as a return man, muffed his first punt of practice on special teams. He would field the next two cleanly.
Ellington muffs first punt of ST session to massive groan from crowd.
— Aaron Erickson (@EricksonAaron44) August 10, 2016
Bruce Ellington muffs first punt of practice, doesn't miss the next one #49ers #49erswebzone
— Zain N. (@zain49ers) August 10, 2016
"The highlight through the first half of practice came during special teams drills with Bradley Pinion nailing 70-yard punts with the help of the San Francisco's coastal breeze," said Chris Biderman.
Injuries
Arik Armstead, who was expected to practice, did not go through team drills after suffering a shoulder injury at the end of Sunday's practice. The injury is not believed to be serious.
Chip Kelly said Armstead would practice. He did individual drills but no team drills.
— Aaron Erickson (@EricksonAaron44) August 10, 2016
Colin Kaepernick, who was seen having his throwing shoulder looked at during Tuesday's practice, was a full participant during Wednesday's practice.
Thursday's schedule
Defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil is scheduled to meet with the media at 10:10 AM. The team's practice, which is open to reporters, is scheduled to follow at 10:25 AM. Players will be made available following practice.
