The 49ers' training camp has been in full swing for ten days, and while there have been some standout performances, there are also some concerns that have emerged. The team's depth chart is looking a little thin, with several key players either injured or struggling to make an impact. Here's a breakdown of the good, the bad, and the ugly from Day 10 of camp.
The Good
De'Zhaun Stribling
Stribling has been a revelation so far. He's already showing that he's the best wide receiver on the roster, and his performance today was a clear indication of that. He caught a 40-yard bomb from Brock Purdy, something no other wide receiver on the team could do at that point. Stribling's ability to frighten opposing defenses is a huge boost for the 49ers, and he's already making a name for himself.
Demarcus Robinson
Robinson is the team's most durable and reliable wide receiver, but he's not particularly dangerous. However, his performance today was a welcome sight. He made a wide-open 25-yard catch up the left sideline, showing that he can still contribute when called upon. Without Stribling, the 49ers' wide receiver room would be one of the worst in the NFL, so Robinson's presence is a blessing.
Trenton Irwin
Irwin is an undrafted rookie who has been having a surprisingly solid training camp. He made a one-handed touchdown catch over Deommodore Lenoir in the corner of the end zone during 1-on-1 drills, showing that he's more than just a rookie. At 30 years old, Irwin has played six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, and now he's finally old enough to get some playing time on the 49ers. He might be the next River Cracraft, and he shouldn't be slept on.
Jaden Dugger
Dugger is a linebacker who has been making waves in coverage. He broke up a pass that was intended for running back Khalil Herbert in the flat during 1-on-1 drills, and every day he seems to bat down a pass. His size and former safety background make him a work in progress, but his potential is clear. Dugger is a player to watch as the season progresses.
Jack Jones
Jones has been intercepting passes left and right, and while he picked off Adrian Martinez, who isn't good, it's still a positive sign. He doesn't seem to be competing for a starting job, but if Renardo Green struggles early in the season, Jones could take his spot. Green has a short leash, and Jones is a player who could step up if needed.
Khalil Herbert
Herbert is currently the best healthy running back on the roster, which isn't saying much given the injuries to the top four running backs. However, if Herbert makes the team and has to play meaningful snaps, the 49ers will be in trouble. His performance today was a reminder of his potential, and he's a player to watch as the season progresses.
Brock Purdy
Purdy practiced without his security blanket, Christian McCaffrey, and completed deep passes to Stribling and Robinson. He didn't get intercepted, which is a good day for him. Considering he's working with a bunch of backups he barely knows, Purdy's performance is impressive. He's a quarterback to watch as the season progresses.
The Not So Good
Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey missed practice today, and the team said he has 'tightness'. This is a familiar story, as the team said he had tightness two years ago when he injured his calf during training camp. The injury wasn't serious, they said, and he could play if the season were to start tomorrow. However, when Week 1 rolled around, he didn't play, and we learned that 'tightness' really was bilateral Achilles tendinits. Maybe he needs to take another trip to Germany, or maybe he's just old and chose not to practice. Either way, if he's out tomorrow, it's time to worry.
Deebo Samuel
Samuel is not a running back, he's a gadget guy who can carry the ball a couple of times a game. Today, he ran an out route from the backfield against Dre Greenlaw and let Brock Purdy's five-yard pass bounce off his chest. It's good to see some things never change. Samuel's performance today was a reminder of his limitations, and he's a player to watch as the season progresses.
Nick Bosa
Bosa has now missed a full week with 'soreness'. He hasn't shown up to practice since last Monday, and this reminds me of Jauan Jennings, who shut himself down early in camp last season with calf soreness that mysteriously went away right when the season started. Jennings wanted a contract extension and never got it. I'm guessing Bosa wants an extension as well, considering he'll have less than $1 million in guaranteed money on his contract next year. If the 49ers extend him, they're crazy. He's not the player he was four years ago.
Kyle Juszczyk
Juszczyk has missed a full week with a broken finger, which is understandable. However, like Bosa, he hasn't even shown up to practice in a week, not even as a spectator. This makes you wonder if Juszczyk wants an extension too, considering he'll be a free agent next year. If that's the case, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Juszczyk's performance today was a reminder of his limitations, and he's a player to watch as the season progresses.
Renardo Green
Green is a proven NFL cornerback who has had success in real games, so a few bad reps in training camp won't define him. However, he doesn't intercept passes, and today, he got flagged for defensive pass interference against Robinson. He's not competing for his job just yet, but if his struggles carry over to the regular season, he'll lose his starting spot quickly. Green has a short leash, and he's a player to watch as the season progresses.
Connor Colby
Colby was the starting left guard for the first week of camp, but since then, he's been the second-string right guard. This likely means the coaches are down on him, and that's because he's not good. He was a seventh-round pick last year who was an utter liability when he had to play. Expecting him to make some giant leap this year is unrealistic. Colby's performance today was a reminder of his limitations, and he's a player to watch as the season progresses.
Punt Returner
The 49ers don't have a punt returner, and they'd like it to be Jordan Watkins, but he's not particularly elusive. Which means it probably will be Junior Bergen, who's not particularly fast. Those are the 49ers' best options, and their lack of a punt returner is a concern. It's a detail that I find especially interesting, as it raises a deeper question: how important is the punt returner position in today's NFL?
