49ers 2019 training camp: Jerick McKinnon returns to action

The San Francisco 49ers resumed training camp activities after a day off on Monday, and running back Jerick McKinnon was able to take the field for the first time in 2019 after tearing his ACL last year.

Running back Jerick McKinnon was supposed to be a major part of the San Francisco 49ers‘ plans in 2018 after signing a lucrative free-agent deal that offseason. But an ACL tear at the very end of the preseason thwarted his would-be impact, forcing head coach Kyle Shanahan to completely adjust his offense last year.

McKinnon started 2019 training camp on the physically unable-to-play (PUP) list, but his tenure there ended on Tuesday when he was activated and cleared for practice.

It’s likely McKinnon will only start going through the initial workouts and walk-through sessions, avoiding contact and the full 11-on-11 drills until he’s worked up to speed. But for McKinnon and Shanahan, the running back’s return is certainly good news.

Richard Sherman Dominant in Red-Zone Drills

Unlike McKinnon, cornerback Richard Sherman was able to play injured last season, coming off a 2017 Achilles tear. And while Sherman was effective, he certainly wasn’t at 100 percent.

That doesn’t seem to be the case in training camp, and Sherman showed off his veteran prowess during Niners red-zone drills on Tuesday.

According to Niners Nation’s Rob Lowder, Sherman recorded pass breakups during each one of his 1-on-1 red-zone drills.

Earlier during camp, when asked if Sherman was fully healthy, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin said “one million percent” (h/t KNBR 680):

Kendrick Bourne Continues to Win over Jordan Matthews

The 49ers are likely to keep one wide receiver between Kendrick Bourne and Jordan Matthews. Both have red-zone prowess. And while Matthews has the versatility to serve as a big slot receiver, Bourne seems to be making more of his opportunities in camp.

According to Lowder, Bourne showed off some “sticky hands” on Tuesday during red-zone drills.

Matthews, meanwhile, was mostly shut down by defensive back D.J. Reed, who was seeing an uptick in playing time with fellow nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams out with a knee injury.

Matthews increased his stock during OTAs, regularly making some noteworthy plays and receptions. But that trend hasn’t continued into training camp, as Bourne now appears to be the favorite in this camp battle.

Jimmy Garoppolo Tosses First 11-on-11 Interception… Sort of

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who spent most of 2018 rehabbing his own ACL tear alongside McKinnon, has done a great job protecting the ball during training camp 11-on-11 drills.

Until Tuesday.

Garoppolo did toss a perfect pass to Bourne. But the throw bounced off the receiver’s hands and right into cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon‘s grasp.

Hard to pin that pick on Garoppolo.

Dropped passes seemed to be a theme of the day, however, as rookie wide receiver Deebo Samuel also had a key drop on what would have been a touchdown pass.

Injuries Hanging Around

Williams’ injury isn’t expected to be serious, and McKinnon’s return is a bonus. But the 49ers have been bit slightly by the injury bug the past few days.

EDGE Dee Ford stayed out with a knee injury, while linebacker Malcolm Smith was held out due to a hamstring issue. Smith could be in danger of missing the 53-man roster, so his absence is concerning. Same goes with offensive guard Joshua Garnett, who recently had surgery on a dislocated finger and won’t be available until late in the preseason, at the soonest.

Defensive lineman Jamell Garcia-Williams (concussion) and running back Jeff Wilson (calf) also missed Tuesday’s practice, while guard Mike Person was given a vet’s day off.

San Francisco will resume camp practices on Wednesday, while also preparing for its first preseason contest against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, Aug. 10.