49ers Training Camp Takeaways: Dobbs Could Make QB2 Battle Interesting originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA — The 49ers quietly wrapped up their first week of training camp Saturday, with several veterans returning after taking the day off the day before.
The bleachers set up at the practice field were empty due to a late-night San Jose Earthquakes game at Levi’s Stadium, while Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa, George Kittle, Charvarius Ward, Maliek Collins and Jake Brendel returned to team training.
Absent from the 11-on-11 work was Javon Hargrave, who took a veteran’s rest day, but there were others who missed practice due to injury. Offensive lineman Spencer Burford has a broken hand and could be out for a few weeks, while rookie receiver Jacob Cowing suffered a strained hamstring and was also sidelined.
Coach Kyle Shanahan does, but has positive news about the first-round pick Ricky Pearsall has a chance to make his training camp debut on Monday when the team holds its first padded practice.
Shanahan also believes that safety Talanoa Hufanga, who suffered an ACL injury in Week 10 of the 2023 NFL season, he will be able to return to training in Los Angeles when the team has joint practices with the New Orleans Saints.
Here are five takeaways from Day 4 of 49ers training camp:
The competition to be Brock Purdy’s backup could get tougher if Josh Dobbs continues to make improvements as seen on Saturday. The Tennessee product was much more accurate, not only connecting with a deep pass to Danny Gray, but also executing a very successful fake handoff where multiple defenders took the bait.
Dobbs completed 11 of his 12 attempts on Saturday while splitting reps with Brandon Allen, who only managed six completions on his 10 attempts.
Danny Gray is appearing
The speedy receiver who missed the entire 2023 season with a shoulder injury arrived at training camp with a sense of urgency. Danny Gray has been involved when Allen and Dobbs are on the field, but he also occasionally takes reps with the first team.
The SMU product’s best catch of the day was a 30-yard bomb from Dobbs, but the most impressive part of the play was how Gray found the weak spot in coverage. Both defensive back Sam Womack and linebacker Ezekiel Turner were in close proximity but far enough away to make a play on the ball.
The undrafted running back had some opportunities to carry the ball on Saturday, with fellow rookie Isaac Guerendo still sidelined with a hamstring injury. Cody Schrader was on the field with Allen and Dobbs and carried the ball with good speed coming out of the defense.
Schrader also looked solid when given the opportunity to catch passes as a checking down option or on a bubble screen. It will be difficult for the Missouri product to make the roster behind Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason and Guerendo, but he is making the most of his chance now.
Darrell Luter makes the defensive play of the day
The second-year cornerback broke up a Dobbs pass intended for Gray by putting his hand between the ball and the target. The entire defense celebrated, and the South Alabama product even received a pat on the back from Brandon Staley.
Darrell Luter earned a lot of respect from the coaching staff in his rookie season before suffering a hyperextension and bone bruise in his knee during training camp. The fifth-round pick could be an option for a spot at nickel, competing with Isaac Yiadom and Sam Womack.
No news is not necessarily good news
There’s still no sign of Trent Williams in Santa Clara as his representation attempts to add guaranteed money to his compensation deal. Jaylon Moore continues to take reps at left tackle in place of the All-Pro.
Brandon Aiyuk remains absent from field work, but has participated in meetings with both the team and his position group.
“[Aiyuk] goes for everything except practice. But there are no updates either,” Shanahan said Saturday.
The team has a day off on Sunday before reconvening on Monday for their first day of work.
