Progress made on offensive line
Cooper making strides at guard for 49ers
SANTACLARA>> As great of a touchdown catch as Aldrick Robinson made and as impressive a pass as Jimmy Garoppolo dropped on target, the most encouraging thing about this particular play Tuesday came at right guard, where the 49ers are searching this camp for a new starter.
Veteran Jonathan Cooper, a late entry to the competition, looked every bit a potential starter when he blocked defensive linemen Ronald Blair and slid over to block any path toward Garoppolo, who stepped up in the pocket.
Cooper won’t be rushed into the starting role, however, and he won’t play in Thursday’s exhibition opener, having just been cleared for full practices because of a left-knee issue dating to last season with the Dallas Cowboys.
“He’s left a good impression to me as a person,” coach Kyle Sha-
nahan said. “I love the way how he’s carried himself through the offseason and into training camp. I know our team really likes him, and I know he’s working hard to get back.
“But as far as the field, no, he’s not there yet and that’s why we’re not putting too much on him right now.”
Mike Person is still taking the majority of firstteam reps at right guard, as has been the case since Joshua Garnett sustained a knee injury three practices into camp. Erik Magnuson also is a candidate at right guard.
THURSDAY’S SCRIPT >> Look for Garoppolo and the other starters to play at least one series and likely not much more Thursday against Dallas, Shanahan said. Younger starters might see more action, such as right tackle Mike McGlinchey, this year’s top draft pick.
Cornerback Jimmie Ward, having responded well this week from a hamstring scare, figures to start in place of Richard Sherman at left cornerback. TRENT TAYLOR’S RETURN >> Wide receiver Trent Taylor
said he’s “all good now” after having bone spurs shaved down in his lower back this spring.
“I’m pretty much back to normal,” Taylor said. “Everybody is bruised up and I’m just feeling the camp soreness right now like everyone else is. Whenever the season comes around, I think I’ll be feeling good.”
Taylor said he “always” has had low-back pain but it especially flared up this offseason. He had 17 catches over the final games last season as a popular target for Garoppolo.
“Me and Jimmy do a good job communicating to each other, talking about the routes I run and what he expects,” Taylor said. “I’m looking forward to what we can do this year, for sure.”
ALDRICK APPEARS >> Robinson had only 19 catches last year in his 49ers debut but he reminded everyone Tuesday of his potential and his down-field speed. He hauled in a 70-yard bomb from C.J. Beathard not long after making his diving touchdown grab of the aforementioned Garoppolo pass.
SHERMAN’S FINANCIAL TIP >> Rookie defensive back D.J. Reed is getting smart advice from Sherman, and that extends to life lessons. Both were fifth-round draft
picks (Sherman in 2011 with Seattle), so that spot doesn’t come with a financial windfall. Sherman has told Reed to budget wisely and that he can’t provide for his family right now the way he would desire.
Reed likely will start at nickel back on Thursday in place of K’Waun Williams (ankle) and also could see time at free safety. Two days before his 49ers debut, Reed had yet to see Levi’s Stadium’s field and noted he doesn’t even know the way from the locker room.
MOORE’S MENTALITY >> Tarvarius Moore, a thirdround draft pick, said this camp has been much more taxing on him physically and mentally compared to his days at Southern Miss.
“It’s a big transition from college to the NFL, and learning a new position as well,” said Moore, who converted from safety to cornerback. He praised Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon for encouraging him through his learning curve. PICK ’EM >> Rookie safety Terrell Williams intercepted Beathard’s pass toward the goal line in a hurry-up drill at the end of practice. Witherspoon dropped a potential interception of a Garoppolo pass early in practice, and Witherspoon responded by retrieving
the ball and punting it 50 yards down field. RECOVERY DAYS >> Shanahan and his training staff have been smart in doling out rest days, and Tuesday’s group included left tackle Joe Staley, left guard Laken Tomlinson, wide receiver Pierre Garçon and nose tackle Earl Mitchell. Replacing Staley and Tomlinson on the left side of the line were Garry Gilliam and Pace Murphy. HONORING DWIGHT >> A small, invitation-only ceremony was set for Tuesday night at Levi’s Stadium in memory of Dwight Clark, who passed away earlier this summer from ALS. The 49ers are expected to announce Wednesday how they will honor Clark this season, and team executive Keena Turner said the 49ers will commemorate Clark in some fashion every Aug. 7 (or 8/7, as an ode to his No. 87).
SPANISH BROADCASTS >> The 49ers are launching Spanish-language content that will includes live radio broadcasts of every game and a weekly in-studio show on 49ers.com, led by play-by-play announcer Jesus Zarate and color analyst Gabriel Sotelo. Telemundo 48 will broadcast 49ers games in Spanish after a one-year hiatus, the team announced.