49ers’ top takeaways during Week 2 of 2019 OTAs

Members of the media were on hand for the second time during San Francisco 49ers OTAs, and Niner Noise explores some of the bigger takeaways from this practice session.

The San Francisco 49ers are in Week 2 of their 2019 organized team activity (OTA) period, and Wednesday marked only the second day where members of the media were allowed to be present.

Injuries were a common theme during the first week of OTAs, as the Niners lost rookie EDGE Nick Bosa to a hamstring strain, which likely keeps him out until training camp, along with some other player setbacks. Based off most reports, San Francisco has largely avoided the injury bug after those initial setbacks, so that’s a good sign.

Taking a look at other reports, what stood out from the 49ers’ second open practice during these padless sessions?

Jimmy Garoppolo Is Slinging It

Last week, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo told reporters he was capable of making nearly every throw from under center, which is reassuring after his Week 3 ACL tear last season.

By the looks of it, Garoppolo isn’t having much issue finding his targets, at least according to KNBR’s Taylor Wirth:

Wide receiver Dante Pettis nearly had a would-be touchdown grab, according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan, but couldn’t hold onto the ball after Garoppolo made a pinpoint toss.

Regardless, it’s looking as if Jimmy G has shaken off any of the proverbial rust associated with nearly a year-long recovery from his 2018 injury. And that only bodes well for the 49ers’ chances moving forward.

Tarvarius Moore Seeing Time at Free Safety

Perhaps the 49ers have been paying attention to what Niner Noise’s Akshaj Dwivedula had to say — moving second-year defensive back Tarvarius Moore from cornerback to free safety, which was his natural position in college.

San Francisco has a need for competition here, specifically following safety Jimmie Ward breaking his collarbone last week.

So, perhaps, it’s no surprise Moore got some time in at free safety during practice.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh told reporters Moore was seeing time at the position, largely due to the injuries at safety. And while the switch back could create additional problems, it at least allows Moore to flex some of his versatility.

Other Defensive Tidbits and Notes

Injuries have also hit linebacker a lot this offseason. WILL linebacker Kwon Alexander (ACL) is expected back by training camp, and second-year MIKE linebacker Fred Warner (knee) will be out that length of time, too.

This has led to the rookie, Dre Greenlaw, to get some valueable first-team time during OTAs. And according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith continued working as a first-team SAM linebacker.

Last year, Saleh had SAM linebackers pressed up on the line of scrimmage. But with the 49ers’ new wide-9 alignment, SAM backers are able to back off the ball a bit more, making them far more interchangeable with the WILL and MIKE spots.

Smith isn’t the only Niners defender with something to prove. Saleh also pointed out how third-year defensive end Solomon Thomas has been impressing well during OTAs, too.

Thomas, whose first two years in the NFL have been underwhelming, is under a lot of pressure to secure a key role amid a crowded San Francisco defensive line. If Saleh’s comments have any hint of truth, perhaps that growth will be much welcomed in 2019.

The 49ers wrap up their second week of OTAs on Friday, May 31.