Christian Mccaffrey, Trent Williams Full Participants At 49ers Practice

Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams full participants at 49ers practice originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers held their longest practice of the week on Wednesday, and both Trent Williams and Christian McCaffrey were full participants during the nearly two-hour session. 

Williams was on the field for perhaps his highest snap count since the start of training camp. The All-Pro participated in every first-team rep, while McCaffrey was on the field for the bulk of those plays as both a ball carrier and receiver.

On the other side of the ball, Nick Bosa was on the field for individual drills but stood on the sideline during 11-on-11 work.

New absences at Wednesday’s practice included two wide receivers — Jacob Cowing, who left practice early on Tuesday with an unknown injury, and Malik Turner.  Their absences might be why the team announced they had signed another receiver before the start of practice, Malik Knowles.

The 49ers did a little bit of 1-on-1 work between receivers and defensive backs on the near field, while linebackers faced running backs and tight ends a bit further away. Standout reps from the session included a nice breakup by Deommodore Lenoir of a pass intended for Ricky Pearsall to start the drill.

Pearsall could have won their second rep, but he was unable to secure the ball that hit him in the hands.

Defensive back Darrell Luter, who has been getting a lot of work due to the injuries at his position, broke up a pass intended for Demarcus Robinson, but the wideout held onto the ball on the second rep.

When team drills began, McCaffrey immediately was put to work behind a line that looked a little different due to injuries, including Ben Bartch, who was seen working with the team medical staff while wearing a large elbow/arm brace, and Dominick Puni, who was absent due to a knee sprain.

In their places, Nick Zakelj lined up at left guard while rookie Connor Colby stepped in on the right side of center Jake Brendel.

After solid performances in the preseason, Marques Sigle made the first defensive play of team drills, breaking up a Brock Purdy pass intended for Pearsall.

A little bit later, Purdy connected with George Kittle twice in four attempts, once while the tight end was being covered by Ji’Ayir Brown.  Kittle verbally teased the safety as they ran toward the end zone for a sizable offensive gain. Two plays later, the All-Pro beat Siran Neal for a reception.

There was a scare in practice when Pearsall went down in pain and was holding his right hand after catching a pass from Purdy. The medical staff examined the wideout, with mobility tests on his shoulder, and shortly after, released him to return to the field.

The second-year player, who must have suffered a stinger, was only off the field for one play, catching a pass for a touchdown upon his return.

Robert Saleh’s defense had its moments as well, including an interception by Dee Winters, who managed to hold onto a football tipped by a defensive lineman who we could not see. On the next rep, Purdy found Terique Owens on the left side of the field for a score.

During the move-the-ball series, McCaffrey was the focal point with three straight runs to start the drive. Six plays later, the ball carrier was unable to hold onto the ball with one hand, but made up for the drop three plays later, hauling in a one-handed catch for the score to end the 12-play series.

The craziest play of the day was a pass from Carter Bradley that was deflected by Siran Neal in the flat. The ball popped up into the air and into the awaiting hands of Luke Farrell for a completion. 

The 49ers will hold their third and final open practice of the week on Thursday before they host the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday night at Levi’s Stadium.

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