The biggest hit in Thursday’s practice was delivered by rookie linebacker Fred Warner. Which was a bit unexpected considering Warner was dealing with a chest contusion and stood out among his teammates due to his bright blue jersey that designated him as someone who is to avoid contact.
The play in question occurred as Jimmy Garoppolo was attempting a short pass to fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Warner was a step away, turned and thumped the fullback as the ball arrived. Juszczyk lay on his back for a full minute before being helped to his feet. He later returned to practice — he had the wind knocked out of him — but at the time Warner was receiving catcalls from offensive players for breaking the “take care of your teammates” doctrine of training camp.
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“It was one of those things that happened so quick,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said after practice. “It was a complete accident, and thankfully, Juice is all right.”
That Warner was the protagonist on such a rough-and-tumble play also might come as a surprise considering he played a quasi nickel cornerback-linebacker role at BYU, one that had him play in space to take advantage of his speed and his coverage ability.
But the third-round draft pick has been among the more physical players in training camp so far. On Wednesday, Warner and another rookie, running back Jeff Wilson, got into a brief dustup during a pass-blocking drill, the only fracas that’s come close to a fight for the 49ers this camp.
“The guy knows how to hit,” tight end Garrett Celek said of Warner. “In practice, he’s hit a couple of guys pretty hard. Some people don’t have that in them. He definitely has that in him. And he’s a smart player as well. So I can’t wait to see him in the future.”
Celek said Warner reminded him of former 49ers linebacker Michael Wilhoite.
“The way they move, their body type,” Celek said. “I thought Wilhoite was a pretty smart guy. His football IQ was pretty high. And I see the same from Fred.”
Malcolm Smith was given a day off from practice Thursday while Brock Coyle remains out with a hip injury. Reuben Foster and Elijah Lee spent the first 11-on-11 session of the day with the first-string unit, but Warner seemed to get most of the repetitions alongside Foster from that point forward.
Defense dominates: The hit on Juszczyk came during a seven-play stretch of practice in which the defense had a clear advantage over their offensive counterparts, who seemed off-kilter. It began when a throw from Garoppolo to receiver Kendrick Bourne slipped through the receiver’s hands and into those of free safety Adrian Colbert for the interception. Jaquiski Tartt and rookie cornerback Tarvarius Moore had pass breakups on ensuing plays and running back Matt Breida dropped a pass over the middle. Another pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage — Sheldon Day again — and nearly intercepted by rookie safety Corey Griffin.
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Well, mostly dominates: There were two big offensive highlights, both of them supplied by the same two players. Early in practice, Marquise Goodwin blew past cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon in 11-on-11 drills and hauled in a pass from Garoppolo for what would have been a 75-yard touchdown. The two connected again later. Witherspoon had better coverage the second time, but Goodwin still was able to reach back and grab the ball for a 35-yard gain down the sideline before Colbert arrived to help.
Veterans sit: Smith, Joe Staley, Jerick McKinnon, Pierre Garçon, DeForest Buckner, Earl Mitchell and Richard Sherman were given practice off while two other notable players, Joshua Garnett and Jimmie Ward, missed another practice with injuries.
On Wednesday, Kyle Shanahan said he was surprised Garnett, who is dealing with a knee contusion, didn’t practice and would be “more surprised” if Garnett couldn’t practice Thursday. We weren’t able to get Shanahan’s reaction after practice Thursday — he wasn’t scheduled to speak — but he will be at the podium Friday. Saleh said he thought Ward might be back for Friday’s practice.
Understudies revealed: It was interesting to see who was in the lineup during the first 11-on-11 session of the day given all the would-be starters who were out:
— Left cornerback: Tyvis Powell got the first few repetitions. He rotated with Greg Mabin at that spot throughout the session.
— Middle linebacker: Lee was in for Smith, although Warner ended up getting more snaps at the position.
— Defensive tackle: Day filled in for Buckner.
— Big end: Rookie Jullian Taylor continued to step in for injured Arik Armstead (hamstring).
— Nose tackle: D.J. Jones filled in for Mitchell.
— Running back: Breida was the top runner Thursday and had a couple of nice runs to the outside.
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— Wide receiver: Aaron Burbridge was in Garçon’s usual spot.
— Left tackle: Garry Gilliam was in for Staley.
— Right guard: Mike Person got most of the work there while Garnett is out and Jonathan Cooper continues to work his way back toward a full practice.
Tight end injured: Tight end Cole Wick, who spent time on the team’s practice squad last season, landed awkwardly after attempting to make a catch and had to be taken off the field with a knee injury. The 49ers already are thin at the position with Cole Hikutini dealing with a groin injury
Rookie Watch: Sixth-round pick Marcell Harris, who is coming back from a 2017 Achilles tear, played strong safety with the third-team defense Thursday, his first 11-on-11 action of the year. Harris is competing with Chanceller James for a roster spot. James has gotten a few plays with the first-team defense in the last two practices.
Quote of the day: “Different? I don’t know. It’s something I was born with. It’s the way I always ran. My legs kind of like kick out a little bit. I’m pigeon-toed — my feet turn in. I think it’s a little awkward for people to see.” — rookie receiver Dante Pettis when asked to describe his movement skills. Pettis’ unorthodox motion makes covering him difficult and he’s been perhaps the team’s most prolific receiver this week.
— Reported from Santa Clara
(Top photo: Jeff Chiu/AP)
