49ers player stock watch after first weekend of 2019 training camp
By Chris Wilson
Niner Noise highlights the San Francisco 49ers who raised or lowered their roster stock during the first weekend of 2019 training camp.
The pads don’t go on until today, but several members of the San Francisco 49ers have already made statements — both positive and negative — during the Niners’ first two training camp practices over the weekend. We’ll start with the 49ers’ top draft pick, defensive end Nick Bosa:
Stock Up: EDGE Nick Bosa
The No. 2 overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft appeared to be NFL-ready on the first day of training camp, despite missing the majority of the 2018 college season due to injury, and only signing his rookie contract on Thursday. Bosa also missed nearly all of San Francisco’s offseason program while he rehabbed a mild hamstring strain.
Immediately after he cleared to take part in training camp, Bosa had his way with 49ers Pro Bowl tackle Joe Staley on the first day of practice. Staley fared better against the youngster on Day 2, but Bosa was still very active in run defense. The true test will take place today, as the 49ers have their first padded practice of the year:
Staley said after practice that Nick Bosa beat him three separate times and Bosa’s hips making very difficult to block. Bosa worked with the second team and the starters on third down. He was all smiles after practice and seems healthy. #49ers
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) July 27, 2019
Stock Down: Injured 49ers
A player’s stock can only decrease if he’s not on the field to compete, which was the case for four 49ers — center Weston Richburg, defensive back Jimmie Ward, running back Jerick McKinnon, and tight end Garrett Celek — who all began training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list:
The #49ers have placed four on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List:
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) July 27, 2019
TE Garrett Celek
RB Jerick McKinnon
C/G Weston Richburg
DB Jimmie Ward
Both McKinnon and Ward are expected to return to full strength in the coming weeks, while Richburg hopes to be cleared prior to Week 1 of the NFL regular season. Celek will likely start the year on the PUP list, which would keep him out of action for at least the first six weeks of the season, although there is speculation that the veteran’s career is nearing its end.
In addition, right guard Joshua Garnett, who has yet to live up to his first-round draft stock, did not take part in practice today after dislocating his finger twice over the past two days. Garnett was pulled from practice on Sunday due to his injury, after a less-than-stellar showing on Day 1.
Garnett is missing valuable reps, especially for a player who is playing for a starting role given Richburg’s injury and offensive lineman Michael Person‘s blocking troubles. If Garnett continues to miss significant playing time, he could end up instead playing for a spot on the 49ers’ final 53-man roster.