49ers training camp: Who’s hot, who’s not after first week of practice
By Peter Panacy
Hot: 49ers defensive line
True, San Francisco’s defensive line is already a bit banged up just one week into training camp, first losing defensive tackle Arik Armstead for a few weeks with a sprained MCL and then likely losing backup defensive tackle Maurice Hurst to a season-ending biceps tear.
The latter injury is brutal, especially considering Hurst missed almost all of 2021 with calf injuries. Yet one of the strengths of the 49ers’ D-line is its depth.
With the Niners putting third-year lineman Javon Kinlaw on a practice pitch count (and even he impressed on day four of practice), there’ve been increased looks for backup interior linemen such as Kevin Givens, Kerry Hyder and Charles Omenihu, all of whom have performed well enough against a questionable interior offensive line.
Yet the strength of San Francisco’s D-line has been fully revealed on the edges, where Pro Bowler Nick Bosa made easy work of fill-in tackles who were replacing Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey.
Bosa’s dominance is to be expected. What’s more inspiring, however, is EDGE Kemoko Turay showing up with some speed-rush elements. Turay, signed away in free agency from the Indianapolis Colts this offseason, might turn into one of those quality complementary pass-rushers to take pressure off Bosa.
And as far as the rookie watch is concerned, even the 49ers’ top pick from this year’s NFL Draft, EDGE Drake Jackson, recorded a sack in padless practices.