San Francisco 49ers: Player stock watch after first week of 2018 training camp
By Peter Panacy
Offensive Guards Joshua Garnett and Jonathan Cooper
The 49ers have another key camp battle brewing, and this one is at right guard between Joshua Garnett and Jonathan Cooper.
San Francisco 49ers
Cooper, who was signed as a free agent during the offseason, is still recovering from MCL surgery and has yet to partake in any of San Francisco’s on-field activities in 2018. He’s currently on the PUP list.
Meanwhile, Garnett missed day four of practice after accidentally bumping his knee against another teammate. It’s not believed to be serious, but it doesn’t bode well either. After all, Garnett missed all of 2017 with a knee injury and was subsequently asked to cut his weight down in order to be a better fit in Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone scheme.
In the meantime, veteran lineman Mike Person filled in on what would have been Garnett’s snaps.
Garnett’s absence isn’t great, as he needs all the reps he can get to help solidify a starting role and fit within Shanahan’s offensive line. He’s certainly on the roster bubble, albeit the stronger side, so any setbacks won’t help him earn consideration from the coaching staff.
Cooper, however, looks to be the same injury risk he’s been for the majority of his career.
And unless they Niners like what they see out of Person (a possibility), worrying about continued injuries to both Garnett and Cooper doesn’t help matters much.
Especially considering how long it can take for O-lines to jell in training camp.