Sunday's Practice Notes, 8/13
After a day off following Friday night’s win, the 49ers got back to work on Sunday with two practices.
The morning practice was open to the public and was a spirited affair with
head coach Mike Nolan getting things started with the Oklahoma Drill.
"I like to kick it up real fast. During the season, it’s a slower day. Right now, it does get things a little kick started,” said Nolan. “They do drag a little after a game. There’s that lethargic kind of feeling.”
Tight end Vernon Davis, guard David Bass, and newcomer linebacker Bobby shined in the drill, with linebacker Manny Lawson also shedding his block and recovering a fumble.
“I thought Vernon did a great job of blocking in the game,” said Nolan. “He’s extremely competitive. In the front that Chicago runs, he’s got a 280 to 300 pound guy on him every down, and he held his own. I was pleased with that. I thought Manny Lawson did a nice job. I think he did have a tackle for a loss. But, even if he didn’t, I thought he played well. He was aggressive.”
Davis had a superb day of practice, hauling in a pass along the sidelines during team drills in the morning before catching multiple passes in the afternoon, including a touchdown catch at the back of the end zone during the red zone drill.
Wide receivers Jason McAddley and Brandon Williams also caught a couple of deep balls during the morning session. Cornerback Walt Harris also earned applause by breaking up a pass over the middle of the field.
With RB Kevan Barlow missing practice with a thigh contusion and Mo Hicks suffering an abdominal strain in the morning, Frank Gore and Michael Robinson took most of the reps and rolled off several long runs.
In the afternoon practice, safety Mike Adams intercepted a pass off the hands of Antonio Bryant while linebacker Brandon Moore notched a pick at the line of scrimmage when a fellow defender batted down the pass.
RB Kevan Barlow (thigh contusion), WR Arnaz Battle (chest contusion), CB Derrick Johnson (toe), PK Joe Nedney (ankle), LB TJ Slaughter (concussion) and LB Renauld Williams (ankle) suffered injuries in the game against the Bears and did not practice today. According to Nolan, Barlow may return to practice as early as tomorrow. Nedney rolled his ankle in the game but was still able to kick. He will rest his ankle for the next few days. Williams may miss 4-5 weeks with his injury. Johnson and Battle may miss a few days with their injuries.
G Ben Sobieski (stinger), CB B.J. Tucker (ankle) and C Jeremy Newberry (knee) did not play in the game. Sobieski’s neck stinger is more severe than originally indicated and may cause him to miss more time. Nolan said yesterday that Newberry is expected to undergo surgery on his left knee on Tuesday and will be placed on injured reserve for the season. Tucker returned to the practice field today on a limited basis.
DE Jerry DeLoach suffered a MCL sprain in his knee during practice last Thursday but may return to practice this week.
RB Maurice Hicks suffered a abdomen strain during practice this morning and did not work in the afternoon.