With final cuts looming, 49ers defense has depth and options
SANTA CLARA — The 49ers completed their 19th practice of training camp Wednesday with much the same defensive personnel as when they opened on July 24.
It’s been the inverse of the offensive side, which has played mix-and-match because of injuries as well as a well-publicized hold-in and another holdout.
That’s a good thing for first-year coordinator Nick Sorensen, whose job has been to blend new faces on all three levels and whose unit may have to do a yeoman’s share of the work come Sept. 9 against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium.
Before the 49ers get to that point, there is the formality of their preseason finale Friday night against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Three days later comes the league-mandated cut from 90 to 53 players and determining which of those cuts will remain on the 16-player practice squad.
“I think the guys are excited,” Sorensen said following practice. “You can feel that. Everything’s been installed for a while now so we’re just tightening up the details of those things. Everyone knows we’re getting closer and the excitement is starting to build as we grow closer together.”
New faces include two starters on the defensive line in right end Leonard Floyd and tackle Maliek Collins to go along with tackle Javon Hargrave and left end Nick Bosa, plus additional linemen including end/tackle Yetur Gross-Matos and tackle Jordan Elliott.
De’Vondre Campbell, signed after being released by Green Bay, appears to have solidified a starting spot alongside All-Pro Fred Warner with others such as Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Dee Winters, Jalen Graham and Curtis Robinson competing for a spot when a third linebacker is called for as well as special teams duties.
In the secondary, Ji’Ayir Brown holds down one spot with George Odum the other until Talanoa Hufanga can show he’s ready to return from last season’s ACL tear. Cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir will be joined by Isaac Yiadom (when healthy), rookie Renardo Green and Rock Ya-Sin. Malik Mustapha could be a factor at safety before long depending on Hufanga’s progress.
With few injury issues, Sorensen likes what he’s seen in terms of teamwork and communication.
“I think everyone likes who they’re playing with and they like how things are progressing,” Sorensen said. “We try to make stuff harder for guys. The energy has been good. They work hard every single day and to me it’s a day-by-day thing, work hard to get better. Being short-sighted like that is a good thing.”
AIYUK, WILLIAMS UPDATE
Brandon Aiyuk was not spotted on the sideline for the second straight day of practice and there is no hard information either way as to whether he is nearing a contract agreement or trade.
Left tackle Trent Williams remains out, but DeSean Jackson, a former teammate in Washington, hinted on the FS1 show “Speak” he had some inside information that a deal was near.
“I don’t think we need to panic, I just was on a phone call with my boy Trent,” Jackson said. “He’s working out. And when I say he’s working out, he’s in that gym, man. And you know what, a little insight. I don’t want to talk too much, but I’m going to give y’all a little something.
“They’re working on something, man. I think they are going to make it right for my boy to come in there, man. He might be showing up a little late. He’s got some fines and some fees he might have to take care of, but he’s gonna be there, man. So 49ers fans, it’s going to be alright. So y’all take it easy, but honestly, he’ll be there shortly.”
GRAHAM BRANCHES OUT
Graham, who played four games as a rookie seventh-round draft pick out of Purdue last season, has been playing both outside positions (strong side and weak side) and believes his work in the middle last season enhanced his versatility.
“I’ve been rotating wherever they need me,” Graham said. “It helps knowing what everybody does and switching to Sam and Will has made for an easier adjustment.”
Cutdown day will be an interesting one at linebacker, according to Sorensen.
“It’s a really competitive group,” Sorensen said. “Dee and Jalen from last year progressed a lot. but all of them together have made it competitive and progressed together. It’s going to be a really tough decision for us.”
PRACTICE REPORT
— It has been a while since the 49ers were this healthy at running back. Both Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell practiced and looked strong in a no-pads session, with rookie Isaac Guerendo practicing for the second straight day and getting enough to work to make it look as if he’ll see time Friday night against the Raiders.
Christian McCaffrey (calf strain) continues to work off to the side as he points to Week 1, pacing in the drill area as if waiting to be let out of a cage.
— Another heavy day for the first team offense in a brisk, one-hour practice, with quarterback Brock Purdy going 9 of 15 with no interceptions. No. 4 Tanner Mordecai got his most work of camp, essentially getting about the same work as No. 2 competitors Brandon Allen and Joshua Dobbs. One of Purdy’s first throws was a deep attempt Lenoir intercepted out of bounds.
Mordecai had one of the biggest gains of the day with a deep strike down the left side to rookie Jacob Cowing. Cowing, out with a hamstring for much of camp, is making a run at the 53 as a wide receiver and return specialist.
— Brandon Puni continued to get first-team work at right guard and appears on course to be a Week 1 rookie starter. With Aaron Banks out with a fractured pinky, Nick Zakelj took snaps at left guard (as did Ben Bartch) with Jaylon Moore at left tackle, Jake Brendel at center and Colton McKivitz at right tackle.
— Wide receiver Deebo Samuel lost a fumble on a standard fly sweep inside pitch from Purdy.
— Wide receiver/return specialist Trent Taylor worked off to the side with McCaffrey with an undisclosed injury. Not spotted was wide receiver Danny Gray.
— Players who appear to be running out of time to be available in Week 1 include Hufanga, first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall (shoulder), Burford (hand).