49ers Training Camp Update: Moss, Newcomers Continue To Shine

Kelley L Cox/US Presswire

We're now over a week deep into full-squad practices, and the 49ers are pumping out one productive day after another.

The team had an off day on Sunday, so there was ample time to soak in and sort out all of the action from the past week and a half.

Perhaps the greatest thing about 49ers training camp 2012, is that everybody's all in. The newcomers have stepped in (including three that didn't play football in 2011) and drawn praise consistently, performing as if they've been with the team for years.

No distractions, no resistance. There's been consistent improvement everywhere you look, and Jim Harbaugh's squad will be ready for live action in their exhibition opener Friday night against the Minnesota Vikings at Candlestick Park.

Let's begin today with a brief injury report, followed by a position-by-position assessment of the happenings in camp thus far.

Injury Report

Michael Crabtree, WR

The fourth-year receiver has missed seven straight practices since suffering an ankle injury on July 27th, the first full-squad practice of the year.

Crabtree, as you probably know, is typically a no-show for camp, whether it be injury related or his rookie holdout from 2009. The consensus around camp is that he should be returning "very soon", but for now, the rest of the group has been taking advantage of the extra reps.

It is yet to be seen if Crabtree will suit up for Friday's opener, but it's not looking good right now.

Joe Hastings, WR

The second-year wideout has missed a couple of days with a right leg injury, but has been spotted around headquarters. No further information is available at this time. The youngster has an uphill climb to obtain a roster spot, and this isn't helping his cause.

Nate Byham, TE

The third-year tight end missed all of 2011 with a torn ACL, and was held out of action on Saturday for an unknown cause. Probably nothing major, but Byham also faces stiff competition for a roster spot and the blocking specialist can't afford to miss much time.

Jewel Hampton (RB) is currently on the non-football injury list and fifth-round pick (OLB) Darius Fleming from Notre Dame is on the physically unable to perform list after suffering a torn ACL in a rookie mini-camp this spring.

Okay, now for the position-by-position updates:

Quarterback

For once, there is no training camp battle to be had for the starting position. Harbaugh has made it well-known that it's Alex Smith's gig, and the only real competition has been for the No. 2 job.

2011 second-round pick Colin Kaepernick has impressed at times, but looked inaccurate at times as well. Free-agent addition and former Buccaneers QB Josh Johnson has shown flashes, too, displaying smooth mechanics and accuracy from the pocket. Former undrafted free agent Scott Tolzien has thrown a few nice balls as well, but Alex has been on top of his game and outperforming the rest of the field each day.

Running Back

Frank Gore has been, well...Frank Gore. The 49ers all-time leading rusher is happy to be back to work, and has been a physical presence in camp. In addition to some nice runs, Gore has been punishing teammates with powerful pass-blocking and even laid out safety Dashon Goldson after Goldson picked off a pass.

Rookie LaMichael James hasn't made a huge splash yet, but he's had some catching up to do since Oregon's school year ran later than most and he missed the majority of offseason work. He seems to be picking things up well, though, and offensive coordinator Greg Roman noted that he's clearly the fastest RB in the stable.

The rest of the group has been consistent, each breaking off a few solid runs.

Wide Receiver/ Tight End

This is the group everyone seems to be talking about from an offensive standpoint.

Former Giant and Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham has drawn praise for sliding in without missing a beat, but it's future Hall of Fame WR Randy Moss that's been the showstopper of camp so far. Moss seems to make at least one eye-popping catch each practice, and the 49er beat writers have been consistently listing him as a top offensive performer.

Rookie A.J. Jenkins has been decent, but not spectacular. He's a work in progress, which is fine, but there have been no conditioning issues to report. Harbaugh even went out of his way during an interview to make it clear that critics are dead wrong about Jenkins in calling him a bust, forecasting an "I told you so" moment for Jenkins' doubters in the near future.

Undrafted rookie WR Nathan Palmer has been a standout performer, but would need a spectacular preseason to make the 53-man roster, and possibly even the practice squad.

Defensive end Demarcus Dobbs has been trying his hand at tight end, and so far, so good. The second-year undrafted free agent has made a couple of nice catches in camp. This year's version of Bruce Miller, anyone?

Offensive Line

The only real battle for a starting position lies here, and it's at right guard. Newly signed big man Leonard Davis (6'6", 350 lbs.) is competing with former swing tackle Alex Boone for first team reps, and both have been performing well. Harbaugh noted that Davis has stepped right in and shown no signs of rust or lack of mobility.

Elsewhere on the line, there isn't much to report. Starting LG Mike Iupati has been absent due to the birth of his child, and Davis has been filling in at his spot while he's gone.

Defensive Line

The defense has dominated thus far in camp, and the D-line has been a big factor. Justin Smith has been a freak, per the usual, and the rest of the line has been trying to keep pace. Dobbs has looked good at DE in addition to TE and hopes to solidify a roster spot. Undrafted rookie Tony Jerod-Eddie has shown promise as well, but is a long-shot to survive cuts.

Linebackers

Rookie OLB's Kourtnei Brown and Cam Johnson have impressed in recent practices, earning praise from many of the beat writers. NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis are going about their business in impressive fashion, as usual, and there hasn't been much word relating to rookie standout and now starting OLB Aldon Smith has progressed in his new role.

Opposite Aldon, Ahmad Brooks has played well. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio stated that Brooks arrived to camp in the best shape of his life.

Secondary

The standout group of the defense, there have been interceptions and batted balls left and right. Newcomer Perrish Cox has looked like a seasoned vet in camp, and starting CB Tarell Brown has impressed as well.

Second-year CB Chris Culliver is progressing well, and Tramaine Brock has earned praise at times, too, despite getting burned on occasion.

The DB's have made it clear they enjoy Moss' presence in camp, fighting for chances to cover the freakish WR and put their abilities to the test. This reaction from the secondary has been encouraging in terms of realizing just how much Moss apparently has left in the tank.

Michael Thomas (S) has been working as the nickel corner in nickel packages to try and solidify a roster spot. Goldson and SS Donte Whitner have looked solid, as usual.

Special Teams

Not much to report here, except that special team's coach Brad Seely has been exploring all options in the return game, trying as many as six different players fielding kicks and punts. Yes, including Kyle Williams.

Ted Ginn figures to be the starting returner to open the season, but he provides little versatility and could lose a roster spot if someone else performs well in the preseason. Particularly if it's a player who provides significant value in other facets of the game.


It's been a great camp so far, but it's still extremely early. The preseason action will offer a better opportunity for the coaches (and us) to evaluate players and make proper personnel decisions.

We'll have another update soon, along with a recap of the Vikings-49ers game on Friday.

Posted in: 49ers Training Camp,Alex Smith,Colin Kaepernick,Frank Gore,Jim Harbaugh,Joe Hastings,Mario Manningham,MIchael Crabtree,NFL Training Camp,San Francisco 49ers