Maiocco minicamp takeaways: 49ers’ new CMC plan opens RB door originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA – Coach Kyle Shanahan suggested a objective of limiting workload from star running back Christian McCaffrey.
The conclusion of the 49ers’ offseason program featured the common sight of backup running backs Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason running routes and catching passes out of the backfield.
McCaffrey did not practice during the offseason program, including two days of the team’s mandatory minicamp after signing a contract extension for two years during the 2027 season.
Mitchell caught just six passes for 14 yards last season, while Mason contributed three catches for 31 yards. If the offseason program is any indication, Shanahan should have more faith in both players’ pass-catching abilities.
“Defenders can score six goals in a game without a play being called, just because they throw a lot of checkdowns,” Shanahan said.
Mitchell has led in previous practices this spring. On Wednesday, Mason caught three passes from quarterback Brock Purdy in offense versus defense drills.
The 49ers have been reluctant to take McCaffrey out of gameslargely because of his pass-catching skills on third downs.
As Mitchell and Mason develop more of those skills, the 49ers could find more snaps for those players in order to limit wear and tear on McCaffrey throughout the season.
Here are some other observations from the 49ers’ mandatory minicamp:
– Offensive lineman Trent Williams returned to the 49ers’ facility after attending his daughter’s graduation. He did not participate in any on-field training.
— Defensive tackle Maliek Collins, who skipped the offseason program to spend time with his family, was at Santa Clara and worked on the sideline. Many of the team’s veteran players did not participate in minicamp training.
“When guys haven’t been here during Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, just to throw them out there, we’re not going to risk that,” Shanahan said.
Newly signed veteran tight end Logan Thomas began training camp after signing with the club on Tuesday. He caught a pass from Brandon Allen early in 7-on-7 work.
Second-year tight end Brayden Willis looked noticeably more comfortable as part of the team’s passing game this offseason, while George Kittle continued physical therapy following offseason core muscle surgery. Willis’ best catch came when he pulled a dart from Purdy in traffic on a seam route. Willis made another catch against good coverage from linebacker Dee Winters.
– Cameron Latu, last season’s third-round pick, appeared to be running full speed down a sideline. Latu spent his rookie season on injured reserve after undergoing knee surgery. He hasn’t suffered any setbacks, Shanahan said, and is on track to be ready for the start of training camp in late July.
– Deebo Samuel caught back-to-back throws from Purdy to start the 11-on-11 session, including a 35-yard gain against cornerback Samuel Womack’s coverage.
— Ronnie Bell faces the challenge of earning a spot on the roster. On Wednesday, he caught a pass across his land from Brandon Allen on a deep route.
– On the third play of Tuesday’s practice, Purdy hit rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall on a corner kick for 30 yards. Pearsall was regular as far as targets and receptions went during the offseason program.
“He’s doing a good job,” Shanahan said of Pearsall. “He has very good hands, so he will rarely suffer a fall. We’re getting him a lot of reps. He’s been going through a lot of different paths, trying out all the positions and we’re really impressed with how he’s started.”
– The 49ers expect more production from defensive end opposite Nick Bosa than they have gotten in the past. Veteran Leonard Floyd showed something with a quick move around the corner to beat right tackle Colton McKivitz, forcing Purdy out of the pocket. Floyd recorded 39.5 sacks over the past four seasons before signing with the 49ers this offseason as a free agent.
– Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos wasn’t fooled into a smuggle, as he stayed with Purdy as he rolled to the left. Gross-Matos forced Purdy’s incomplete pass to defender Kyle Juszczyk.
— The 49ers worked for a period on the new starting format. Mitchell, Bell, Pearsall, Trent Taylor, Terique Owens and Cody Schrader got reps as returning men.
