49ers Training camp Winners and Losers: The Niners are getting thin at WR & CB

Before today’s training camp session for the San Francisco 49ers, the team announced the signings of RB Ameer Abdullah, WR Andy Isabella, WR Marquez Callaway, and QB Carter Bradley (son of Assistant HC Gus Bradley) to one-year deals and the release of WR Equanimeous St. Brown and waived OL Sebastian Gutierrez, WR Malik Knowles and S Jaylen Mahoney. The team also announced the activation of OL Ben Bartch from the Active/Non-Football Injury List.

RB Jordan James missed today’s session with a knee injury, which explains Abdullah’s signing, and the 49ers have several receivers dealing with injuries, so Isabella and Callaway are necessary. Bradley’s addition is for a fourth QB to be in camp, as is Kyle Shanahan’s preference.

Along with Bartch’s return to practice, Mykel Williams and Ricky Pearsall returned to Thursday’s practice. Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, and Nick Bosa were given a vet day off. Deommodore Lenoir missed his second consecutive practice with hip irritation and will likely miss this three-practice block, per Shanahan.

Winners

Ben Bartch

Before Bartch’s injury popped up away from the 49ers’ facility, it was widely assumed the LG would replace Aaron Banks in 2025. Upon his activation, Bartch stepped right in with the starters in 11-on-11 drills. Nick Zakelj had held the spot while Bartch worked his way back, but if Thursday’s practice is any indication, Bartch will have the first crack at the LG spot.

There is still work to be done in training camp and the preseason, but Bartch will be the leader for the foreseeable future.

Upton Stout

Robert Saleh gave Stout a vote of confidence, and Shanahan doubled down with some motivation for the rookie. It’s too early to crown anyone, but this allows the rookie to feel confident and still hungry. Development is the goal, and it will have its bumps and bruises.

Lenoir and Renardo Green’s injuries will give Stout ample opportunities to lock down the nickel spot. It wasn’t a perfect day for Stout, but the coaches’ confidence is a big sign. Dallis Flowers and Darrell Luter, Jr manned the outside corner spots, which is a change from Tre Brown and Flowers.

Demarcus Robinson

Although Robinson is facing a potential suspension from the NFL, the veteran receiver continues his solid camp. The play of the day was a deep ball touchdown from Purdy. I understand the 49ers’ thought process for signing the veteran, but the looming suspension throws water on the signing, which was supposed to ease the return of Brandon Aiyuk.

Honorable Mention

The Offensive Line

Dominick Puni, Colton McKivitz, and Nick Zakelj had a good day in one-on-ones, per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. Zakelj, who is in competition with Bartch for the starting LG spot, has garnered good reviews this camp. Bartch didn’t participate in one-on-ones.

LG is the only position in question for 2025. If either Bartch or Zakelj wins the job, it needs to be an upgrade from Banks in 2024, who was very up and down. The only blemish for the offensive line on Thursday was a pressure from Mykel Williams that led to a would-be fumble or incompletion.

Losers

The 49ers’ outside cornerbacks

With Lenoir and Green missing, the 49ers’ quarterbacks feasted on the undermanned secondary. Brock Purdy didn’t miss a pass (8/8), with Mac Jones going 10/11 and Tanner Mordecai finishing with a perfect 5/5.

No need to panic, as it appears the 49ers are being cautious with their two starting cornerbacks, but it does offer a glimpse into the depth behind the duo. The 49ers will need the duo to play as many games as possible in 2025.

Jauan Jennings

Shanahan updated Jennings’ progress returning from his re-aggravated calf injury from OTAs, with no timeline to return. A second calf issue is a red flag, and for a player seeking an extension is the worst possible timing. Furthermore, the 49ers need Jennings to be healthy for Week 1 or risk starting receivers with little to no experience or veterans who offer little upside.