Here is what some of the San Francisco 49ers beat writers had to say about today's practice held at the team headquarters.

Grant Cohn, The Press Democrat:

Torrey Smith: Seemed to jam his right ring finger catching a pass from Colin Kaepernick during warmups. Smith was in visible pain for a few minutes as he shook his hand and held his finger. But apparently the injury wasn't a serious.

Today, Armstead pushed around rookie sixth-round pick Ian Silberman.

Vance McDonald: Finally caught the pass he's been struggling to catch his entire career – the deep pass down the seam.

Blake Bell: Plays like a stiff during one on ones. Has almost zero ability to make moves and free himself from man coverage.

I don't see how the Niners can play Lemonier during passing downs next season. He's a pass-rushing liability.

Read all of Grant Cohn's notes

Matt Barrows, The Sacramento Bee:

Tank Carradine missed his second straight practice with what the 49ers are terming an illness. That has allowed Arik Armstead and Lawrence Okoye to take some repetitions at Carradine's usual spot, which is right defensive end with the second-team defense.

Kaepernick had one of his nicest throws of training camp, an intermediate toss to rookie tight end Blake Bell that dropped just over the arms of NaVorro Bowman, who was in coverage. Kaepernick also hit McDonald on a down-field throw along the seam, one at which McDonald has had trouble in games.

The only interception was thrown by Blaine Gabbert.

Rookie Eli Harold is getting an excellent education in going against Staley every day in practice. Harold is quick, but Staley is quicker and typically shuts him down in one-on-one drills.

Interesting sight: Keith Reaser got some snaps at safety. That may be because Jaquiski Tartt (toe) was mostly held out of team drills.

Read all of Matt Barrows' notes

Matt Maiocco, CSN Bay Area:


The good day for the offense started early with a 7-on-7 period that produced four touchdown passes in five snaps during a practice.

The pass protection from the offensive line appears to be rounding into form to give Kaepernick and the other quarterbacks time to throw.

During a 7-on-7 period, second-year tight end Asante Cleveland showed remarkable concentration and hands when he latched onto a dart Kaepernick threw into a tight window between two defenders.

Vernon Davis is putting together a solid camp, and those behind him are making their marks, too.

Torrey Smith showed his deep speed when he made a double-move to get several steps on cornerback Marcus Cromartie.

Read all of Matt Maiocco's notes

Cam Inman, The Mercury News:

Vance McDonald's third training camp is going in positive fashion, and the 49ers appear determined to offer him a chance to emerge from an eight-man unit.

The 49ers put Colin Kaepernick in [a black jersey] during practice a couple years ago, because Ahmad Brooks apparently came too close to leveling him on a sack. Well, on Saturday, Brooks darted past left tackle Trent Brown and ran into the back of Kaepernick.

Jarryd Hayne, while continuing to play catch-up in learning the sport, reinforces the belief he is a viable candidate to make the roster with his play-making ability. Hayne made a nice catch in stride on a pass thrown by Blaine Gabbert.

Eric Reid had the day's only interception, when Blaine Gabbert threw high (too high!) to 6-foot-6 rookie receiver Issac Blakeney, who tipped the ball into the air for Reid's theft.

Read all of Cam Inman's notes


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