SANTA CLARA — The 49ers closed out their second block of NFL training camp practices Tuesday with a slightly shorter session than the day before.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who had a rest day, was absent from practice as were cornerback Deommodore Lenoir and rookie running back Jordan James for undisclosed reasons. Veteran wideout Jauan Jennings (calf), corner Renardo Green (hamstring) and receiver Jacob Cowing (hamstring) all missed practice as expected.
First-round draft pick Mykel Williams sat out due to a minor ankle injury, per the 49ers, but Jordan Elliott returned to the defensive-line mix along with newcomer Jaylon Allen. The 49ers signed Allen on Tuesday after placing Tarron Jackson on injured reserve with a neck injury.
During 1-on-1s between the offensive and defensive lines, Nick Bosa found pay dirt a few times — once with a spin move that left Colton McKivitz on the grass. But the third time the two faced off, the right tackle held his own, keeping the All-Pro defender from entering the quarterback’s space.
C.J. West again used his power against the offensive linemen opposite of him, but the rookie didn’t win every rep like he did Monday. On one rep, offensive lineman Drew Moss stifled the defensive tackle and held his ground.
Not much later, Alfred Collins impressed with a spin move against Moss to get into the backfield. Bosa and Bryce Huff also successfully utilized a spin move multiple times to win their reps.
Once team drills got started, Bosa continued to be a nuisance by getting into the backfield multiple times against the “first-team” offensive line. Plays are allowed to continue in training camp even if the play would be considered a “sack” by the defense, and as they unfolded, Brock Purdy found George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk for completions.
On the second series when Mac Jones took over the offense, Equanimeous St. Brown was the top target with two receptions. Junior Bergen was targeted at the end of the series, but a flag was called on the play for offensive holding. The play happened right in front of Kittle, who was upset with the call enough to argue with the refs.
The 49ers’ best offensive play of the day came when Purdy connected on a deep ball to rookie receiver Jordan Watkins. Purdy made the perfect throw and Watkins, who had enough separation from Jason Pinnock and Darrell Luter, hauled it in.
Linebacker Luke Gifford made one of the day’s best defensive plays when he intercepted a pass that Purdy launched on a scramble. The play would have been ruled a sack, but Gifford stayed with the play and picked off the ball.
Big plays also were made by defensive end Robert Beal Jr., who swatted down a pass attempt by Jones, and several pressures by both Huff and Allen, who spent time together at Memphis.
“He’s an explosive player,” Huff said after practice. “He loves to work. Today he had a great day. I haven’t seen him play in a minute because we were on different teams, but that’s the most explosive I’ve seen him since I’ve known him, so that was good to see.”
West had another impressive day, not only dominating 1-on-1s but getting pressure during team drills with Jones under center.
The scariest play of the day was when the defensive line got a lot of push on an outside zone run, and Elliott rolled up onto Purdy’s ankle, enough to send the quarterback to the grass. Thankfully, Purdy bounced back up after a few moments and continued practice.
There was no movement in the kicking competition as both Jake Moody and Greg Joseph each made all four of their attempts, ranging from 26 yards to 48 yards away from the goal posts.
The players have a day off Wednesday before they return for another three-day block of practices on Thursday.
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