Training Camp News + Notes Week 1
Cluster injuries, a contract dispute, and overly dramatic reporting — 49ers football is so back. We’ve got you covered.
“It’s not drama, it’s business.”
Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch, Trent Williams, and others put much of the outside noise regarding the Jennings holdout to bed early this week. Lynch noted that in the current era, a holdout is simply a sign of the times, and that these situations tend to work themselves out. Players have families, parents, siblings, and future generations to think about, that comes with an obligation to bargain as hard as they possibly can.
The Niners run a salary-capped franchise and carry that same obligation. These things happen. As Williams said, “At the end of the day, this is a business.” Bosa echoed the sentiment: “The drama is on the outside; there’s no drama in here.”
“If you’re having a kicker competition, you don’t have a kicker... This is embarrassing.”
I hate to credit Grant Cohn with a quote, but he nailed it here. The Niners brought in South African vet Greg Joseph and have been hosting daily kicking competitions throughout the first week of camp.
Moody jumped out to an early lead but quickly resumed his previous antics, missing a couple of kicks when the team stopped to watch them on Day 2. He’s changed his technique to a two-step kick, eliminating the third “jab step.” His aim, he said, is to trade a yard or two of power for improved accuracy.
It seems the team will give Moody another season to continue breaking fans' hearts.
“There are spots open for someone to go and take.”
Brock Purdy has been a bright spot in Week 1. His leadership has been evident from the start. George Kittle pointed out his growth into the team’s accountability guy: “When he yells, it sticks.”
More than any other 49er, Purdy understands what it means to admonish teammates to step up and seize their opportunities. This is the most ambiguous depth chart the team has had in years. Fred Warner urged the young guys to remember they’re here for a reason — and so far, it seems like they’ve responded.
The rookies deserve their own article, but reviews are glowing thus far. Dee Winters has drawn praise from both Warner and Robert Saleh, as has free agent addition Jason Pinnock.
“As of now, it seems to me both are acting in good faith.”
Some positive news on the Jennings contract dispute came from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. His read: Jennings has opted to show up and put the work in, trusting his agent and the front office to hammer out an extension that works for both sides.
He should. Lynch made his feelings clear to start the week: “JJ embodies what we think a Niner is all about; we love having him here.” While there’s nothing definitive yet, it certainly seems like, at minimum, a two-year salary bump is coming for Brock’s favorite safety blanket.
In the meantime, maybe chill out on fighting the only high-performing corner currently on the roster, JJ.
“Injuries are a part of the game.”
Lastly, the injury bug has once again bitten the roster. Starting with Ricky Pearsall’s surprise PUP designation, this week also saw promising second-years Jacob Cowing and Renardo Green go down, both with unspecified grades of hamstring strains.
The injuries at receiver led the Niners to sign free agent wideouts Quintez Cephus and Equanimeous St. Brown. Fans will wait with bated breath for updates early next week.