49ers: Biggest winners and losers from OTAs so far

San Francisco 49ers: Biggest winners and losers from OTAs so far

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers is wearing jersey #44 while participating in drill during practice on September 11, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne was wearing the #44 jersey for the 49ers scout team preparing for Monday nights game against the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 27: Guard Jonathan Cooper #61 of the Arizona Cardinals on the sidelines during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Carindals defeated the 49ers 47-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Loser: Offensive Guard Jonathan Cooper

San Francisco’s offensive guards weren’t particularly inspiring on Tuesday. But veteran guard Jonathan Cooper remaining out of practices won’t help his cause much either.

As noted earlier, there’s a three-way battle for two starting guard spots. Laken Tomlinson and Joshua Garnett figure to be the prime competitors. Cooper, another first-round draft pick, has a chance to come in and steal a starting job.

But according to Kyle Shanahan (h/t Joe Fann of 49ers.com), Cooper will be out until training camp, as he recovers from offseason MCL surgery.

This is a bad break for Cooper, although it’s no surprise. The injury bug has plagued Cooper for much of his pro career. It’s not a setback, per se, but the lack of first-team snaps won’t bode well for Cooper’s chances to earn a starting job early this season.