49ers 2019 training camp: Injuries to Nick Bosa, others highlight practice

The San Francisco 49ers didn’t enjoy the best fortune during Wednesday’s training camp practice sessions, as they watched EDGE Nick Bosa and others suffer injuries.

Injuries are always a looming concern for any team’s training camp sessions, and the San Francisco 49ers are no exception heading into 2019.

Especially considering some of the injuries the team suffered a year ago.

On Wednesday’s practices, however, the Niners received a bit of a scare when their top pick from this year’s NFL Draft, EDGE Nick Bosa, went down with an apparent lower leg injury, as NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan reported:

Bosa was able to walk off the field under his own power, albeit gingerly. He didn’t return to practice.

This certainly won’t help those who label Bosa as “injury prone,” particularly after his collegiate abdominal injury and surgery during his final season at Ohio State. Additionally, Bosa dealt with a minor hamstring injury during organized team activities.

It will be interesting to see what the 49ers medical staff will have to say about Bosa’s status in the coming hours and days, and it’s likely the Niners won’t be forced into rushing him back prematurely.

Other Injuries Hindering the 49ers

Bosa wasn’t the only player who went down with an injury. Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, who missed a considerable chunk of time last year, also suffered a lower leg injury, too. In his case, it appeared to be a non-contact injury.

Goodwin was able to rejoin practice, so that’s a good sign. But there’s always the chance his injury flares up again later, so that’s something to monitor.

Cornerback Jason Verrett, who missed all of 2018 with an Achilles tear, also exited practice early with an injury, per defensive coordinator Robert Saleh (h/t Chan).

A number of other players also missed practice with varying injuries, too. The San Jose Mercury News‘ Cam Inman broke down who was absent on Wednesday:

In addition to these players, the 49ers were also without defensive tackle Arik Armstead, who sat out of practices with a calf issue.

If there’s a positive from these injuries, however, some of the depth players — especially on a crowded defensive line — will see an increased number of reps between now and the Niners’ first preseason game of 2019 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Another point of note, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner spent almost the entire practice working off the edge, where he actually played his rookie season back in 2016.

49ers Red-Zone Offense Heats Up

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has been spending a lot of time in training camp lately focusing on his red-zone offense.

It’s not a bad idea, particularly after San Francisco finished dead last in red-zone touchdown efficiency a year ago.

On Wednesday, this group seemed to click. According to the Sacramento Bee’s Chris Biderman, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo tossed four consecutive touchdown passes during these drills, divvying them up between wide receiver Trent Taylor and tight end George Kittle.

Taylor was one of Garoppolo’s favorite targets back in 2017, and Kittle’s prowess needs little introduction. Should this trend continue into the regular season, one should expect the Niners’ red-zone efforts to improve significantly.

Dwight Clark Honored

Being it’s Aug. 7, the 49ers elected to pay tribute to No. 87 himself, the late Dwight Clark, who passed away just over a year ago from ALS.

Players and coaches donned No. 87 tee shirts during practice, and many were also given out to fans in attendance. Additionally, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco was on hand to autograph copies of his book, Letters to 87, chronicling the fan letters and notes given to Clark leading up to his passing.

Fans can also enter for a chance to win a copy of Letters to 87 by Maiocco. The 49ers are giving away a total of 87 of these signed copies to the lucky winners.

You can enter here.

San Francisco will resume camp practices on Thursday, Aug. 8 from just outside Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.