‘B’ teamers flash their ‘A’ games
A day of hard hitting as veterans get breather; WR Ellington is released
Understudies got their best reps of 49ers training camp Thursday as several veterans got the day off to rest, including linebacker NaVorro Bowman, wide receiver Pierre Garçon, left tackle Joe Staley and center Jeremy Zuttah.
What those veterans missed was the hardesthitting session of camp, one that ended with a few wind sprints. Here are the top three things we learned Thursday: 1. ELLINGTON’S EXIT, CAUSE
AND EFFECT » It’s no shock Bruce Ellington’s injuryplagued and underwhelming tenure ended Thursday with his release. As a slot receiver, Ellington mostly labored on the third string in camp and couldn’t climb the depth chart above veteran Jeremy Kerly and rookie Trent Taylor.
“He came back and battled from some tough injuries and gave himself a chance to go for a week, but we were a little too loaded at that spot,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “We wanted to get some different guys in here with different skillsets and mix up the group a little bit.”
Kerley had a team-high 64 receptions and averaged 7.5 yards per punt return last season while Ellington was on injured reserve ( hamstring). Kerley’s 2017 goals are to have at least 50 catches and 600 yards, and, more important, make the playoffs for the first time in his seven seasons.
Taylor, a fifth-round draft pick, also looks more than capable as a slot receiver and return specialist, roles Ellington had in 2014-15.
“He’s a good, young kid,” Kerley said. “He can play ball. He can catch. I’m going to make sure I can help him and give him my knowledge. I see a lot of potential in him.”
Taylor made the best catch of camp Wednesday when his 5-foot- 8 frame snared a high pass and he stayed inbounds at the front pylon for a touchdown. San Jose native DeAndre Carter, a first-year player, also has lined up in the slot.
Ellington became further expendable when considering the 49ers’ other enticing options as returners beside Kerley and Taylor, including speedy rookie Victor Bolden. 2. SHANAHAN DISLIKES WRISTBANDS » Known for extensive verbiage in his play calls, Shanahan says it’s easier to radio those plays into the huddle than have a quarterback look at them on a wristband before relaying them.
“I want him to get in the huddle and not look at his arm,” Shanahan said. “There’s more than 10 plays. I don’t want him flipping through a bunch of stuff. That takes time. I want to go as fast as we can. I want him to say it after me and get to the line of scrimmage.”
Brian Hoyer is now fluent in Shanahan’s system, but he recalled how tough it was to learn the verbiage — without the aid of a wristband — in 2014, when they were with the Cleveland Browns.
“I remember Johnny’s ( Manziel’s) first game, he got a wristband. I said, ‘I’ve been playing 13 games, where was mine?’ ’’ Hoyer said half- jokingly. “No, but I think the way, being around Kyle, he’s a unique play- caller, and for him to put plays on a wristband, it would limit him, and now I understand that.
“… I’m already starting to visualize what he wants, and unless there’s one of those 18-worders in there, it’s been pretty good.”
Shanahan, who scripts his first 24 plays, would deploy a wristband if radio communications go out in a game. FYI, first road game is Week 2 at NFC West rival Seattle. 3. HARD HITS ENDORSED BY COACH » Rookie cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, victimized a day earlier by Carlos Hyde’s hard hit at the goal line, took another bruising shot Thursday when Vance McDonald lowered a shoulder and charged into the end zone on a 10yard touchdown.
McDonald’s stock went up as he exemplified the practice’s tone: play hard, hit hard. He didn’t realize until later meeting with the media that Witherspoon is who he punished a day after Hyde did.
“It was on the same guy? Dang it,” McDonald said. “That (stinks) for him. But (Shanahan) address it in the team meeting. For us, it’s all about the ball, and if you’re not getting those physical hits in practice ... (coach) encourages it and wants it.”
Said Shanahan: “There’s a fine line between (hitting teammates), and I didn’t mind it yesterday. “Carlos taught him a little bit of a lesson that will help him in the long run.”
Shanahan, who complimented McDonald’s progress this camp, explained that the Hyde-Witherspoon collision could have been tempered if Witherspoon recognized the play earlier and not let Hyde get a head start.
• Rookie linebacker Reuben Foster took some firstteam snaps, the result of Bowman resting and Brock Coyle exiting midway through practice with an apparent sternum injury. Foster excelled as a blitzer, and by lining up at the “Mike” linebacker spot, he got experience relaying play calls.
• Rookie defensive tackle Solomon Thomas brief ly came out of practice to have a shoulder examined.
• Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (left ankle) did not practice and is listed as day-to-day.
• Safety Eric Reid returned to team drills and said his ankle feels better.
• Linebacker Eli Harold remained out a second straight day with a concussion. He watched practice from the sideline without the need of sunglasses.