Rookie linebacker has been big hit
Warner apologizes for slamming injured fullback in practice
SANTACLARA » Rookie linebacker Fred Warner didn’t mean it.
Crippling hits, he knows, are not allowed at 49ers practice, especially by a guy wearing a nocontact jersey because of a recent chest injury.
“I wasn’t trying to do anything malicious,” Warner said Thursday of the most dangerous hit this training camp. “I tried to hold up and protect myself.”
What Warner did was slam a shoulder into Kyle Juszczyk’s ribs to prevent a short completion from Jimmy Garoppolo. That left the Pro Bowl fullback sprawled on the grass for a few anxious minutes until he got up, walked off to the side and promptly received Warner’s apology.
“The guy knows how to hit,” tight endGarrett Celek said. “He’s hit a couple guys pretty hard. You know, some people don’t have that in them. He definitely has it in him, and he’s a smart player, as well.”
Warner indeed has the look of an enforcer. And defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has raved about his high IQ. Warner said his physical and mental aspects “go hand in hand” to help him play faster.
Warner is adapting so quickly to a relatively simple scheme at middle linebacker that, quite possibly, he could become a starter
sooner than later.
“There were a lot of plays Fred did avoid contact, like he’s supposed to, but that one (against Juszczyk) was so fast, it was like he braced for contact,” Saleh added. “It was completely accidental, and Juice is all right.”
Malcolm Smith, the lineup’s projected “Mike” linebacker next to Reuben Foster, was one of several veterans given Thursday off to rest. Thing is, Smith only joined practices the previous two days upon his clearance from a pre-camp, lower-leg issue. Brock Coyle, another “Mike” option, is out this week with a hip issue.
At 6-foot-3, Warner is tall for an inside linebacker, but the third-round pick out of BYU feels he plays “nimble” with a low pad level and speed. One of Warner’s few setbacks in camp came Wednesday when he got slammed to the turf on a pass-protection drill by Jeff Wilson, perhaps causing Warner’s chest injury.
Warner is looking forward to doling out “real” hits in Thursday’s exhibition opener against the Dallas Cowboys. Added Saleh: “Now it’s time to go show it in preseason games, continue to grow, and become more consistent in understanding the scheme. He’s got a long way to go, but he’s doing a good job checking off every box.”
Warner aside, here are other highlights from Nin- ers camp: STILL NO GARNETT » Guard Joshua Garnett missed his fourth straight practice because of a knee injury, a lingering absence that surprised coach Kyle Shanahan. Jonathan Cooper, another potential starting guard, is not expected to join team drills until next week because of his own knee issue. “I’d like those two to get out there,” Shanahan said. “It’s tough to make this team and do it if you’re not out there.”
Garnett’s worn a compression sleeve on his left leg while watching practices since his injury, although he wasn’t present at Thursday’s session. Mike Person has taken the most first- string reps at right guard. ROUTE FLEXIBILITY » Garoppolo is encouraging receivers to adjust their routes as needed, such as if the defensive coverage changes to man-to-man. “We might have a certain route written on paper, but you don’t have to run it the exact way,” Celek said. “He’s learned a lot from ( Tom) Brady. He knows you don’t have to do exactly what (coaches) are telling us to do. ‘ Get open, and make plays.’ “
Rookie receiver Dante Pettis concurred, adding: “He’s really good at seeing when you’re breaking. As soon as he sees that indicator, he knows he can get rid of the ball, so you’ve got to get your head around quick.” TIGHT END INJURED » Cole Wick, a second-year tight end, got carted off the field with a right knee injury and was taken to a local hospital for further examination. He landed awkwardly on his leg attempting to catch a high pass. Wick’s been competing for the No. 3 tight end spot with Cole Hikutini, who’s missed three straight practices with a groin injury. WARD’S STATUS » Saleh expects defensive back Jimmie Ward to return to practice today after missing the past two days of team drills because of a hamstring issue. “I’m not overly concerned, especially when you’re dealing in camp and he’s always been a soft tissue guy,” Saleh said.
Ward’s versatility has him working at cornerback before a potential switch back to free safety later in camp. “He definitely has a role on this team, and it’s going to be pretty cool,” Saleh added. “He’s one of our more violent, one of our smartest players, and everyone in the organization loves him.” REST DAY » Seven veterans had Thursday off to recover: Smith, left tackle Joe Staley, running back Jerick McKinnon, wide receiver Pierre Garçon, cornerback Richard Sherman, nose tackle Earl Mitchell and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
Taking advantage of their extra reps where players such as offensive tackle Garry Gilliam, running back Matt Breida, cornerbacks Tyvis Powell and Tavarius Moore, wide receivers Pettis and Richie James and defensive linemen D. J. Jones and Sheldon Day.
Players still out with injuries besides Ward and Hikutini are defensive lineman Arik Armstead (hamstring), linebacker Brock Coyle ( hip) and guard J.P. Flynn (knee). OFFENSIVE PLAYS OF DAY » Marquise Goodwin twice beat Ahkello Witherspoon to catch Garoppolo passes that accurately sailed over 40 yards for would- be touchdowns. The Garoppolo- Goodwin connection grows stronger by the day. DEFENSIVE PLAY OF DAY » Adrian Colbert returned an interception of a Garoppolo pass that slipped through Kendrick Bourne’s hands. Colbert also had a pick-six Tuesday.