The long list of injured players added two more names from Tuesday’s session, as safety Jason Pinnock did not participate in team drills and left guard Ben Bartch left practice with an undisclosed injury, but did walk into the trainers’ room on his own. That’s two starters with new injuries for the San Francisco 49ers. Kyle Shanahan announced rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins would be out for about a month with a high ankle sprain on Monday.
Second-year wide receiver Jacob Cowing returned to practice, which is just in time with wide receiver Jauan Jennings still working his way back from a calf injury. Shanahan admitted the team is exploring all options at the position, which could include a free agent signing (Amari Cooper, Gabe Davis), but stopped short by saying the team didn’t want to panic and make a rash decision.
Let’s get into the winners and losers from Tuesday’s session
WINNERS
S Marques Sigle
With the injuries to safeties Malik Mustapha and Ji’Ayir Brown, Sigle has a big opportunity to seize momentum and a starting job for Week 1. Pinnock didn’t participate today, and Brown stepped in for the former Jet & Giant, but struggled in coverage, allowing two big catches to TE George Kittle.
Shanahan said Sigle has a real chance to start, and Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh continued his praise of the rookie in today’s press conference.
K Jake Moody
The third-year kicker nailed all seven of his attempts today, including two from 50-plus yards. Moody only attempted an extra point in Saturday’s preseason opener, but today was a strong day for the third-round selection. The team needs stability in the position in 2025.
QB Brock Purdy
Purdy and Kittle continued their strong connection with two long completions, one of which was a touchdown. Given the state of the 49ers’ receiver room, the two will need to continue connecting as the receivers return from their health issues.
One of the more interesting plays on the day was a pass attempt to FB Kyle Juszczyk that was batted in the air and fell into the hands of RG Dominick Puni, who rushed into the end zone. A big man touchdown wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card.
Purdy finished the red zone period with a touchdown pass to RB Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers offense will have the shoulder the load with the potential ups and downs of the young 49ers defense.
LG Connor Colby
While the injury to Bartch is unknown as of now, Colby stepped in with the ones and performed admirably. The seventh-round pick from Iowa was the first choice instead of Nick Zakelj, which shows the confidence in the rookie from the coaching staff. The team will need all the help they can get with depth, especially on the offensive line. Encouraging sign and day for the rookie.
LOSERS
The 49ers’ injury report
Another day, another injury to a starter for the 49ers. Bartch departed, and Pinnock didn’t participate with the ones. Jennings, Pinnock, Renardo Green, Bartch, Mykel Williams, Upton Stout, and others are still out for the 49ers. The team is trying to finish the preseason with no more injuries, but each day seems to bring more bad news for the team and their health.
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