Jake Moody Has Rocky 49ers Practice After Strong Preseason Showing Vs. Raiders

Jake Moody has rocky 49ers practice after strong preseason showing vs. Raiders originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SANTA CLARA — After a bounce-back performance in the 49ers’ preseason win in Las Vegas, Jake Moody had a rocky practice on Thursday. 

The kicker had only four field-goal attempts in the 90-minute session, making the first two from both 33 and 40 yards. Moody’s third try from 47 yards out sailed wide to the left, and then his next attempt from 53 yards hit the right upright and bounced out for a second misfire.

Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer spoke after practice, sharing he believes in his kicker — especially after the game-winning field goal to end the exhibition with the Raiders.

“It could change his career,” Boyer said of the game-winner. “It’s one of those kicks. What I really liked about his response is he showed a lot of character in that moment when he bounced back and hit two clutch kicks, one to tie it and one to win it. He showed a lot of moxy and confidence that he’s starting to gain. It was critical for him.”

Likely because of the number of injuries, especially at receiver, the 49ers did not go through 1-on-1 drills on Thursday. Russell Gage, who suffered an MCL sprain in Wednesday’s session, did not practice.

Demarcus Robinson spent the early portion of practice warming up with the team’s medical staff and joined the offense during team drills. Malik Turner returned to practice, participating in both individual and 11-on-11 work.

Newly added receiver Skyy Moore arrived to the field when the team started full-team work and was seen warming up with the club’s medical staff. The ex-Kansas City Chiefs wideout joined the offense on the field a bit later, participating in a few team reps.

Receivers still missing from practice are Jauan Jennings (calf), Jacob Cowing (hamstring) and Jordan Watkins (ankle). The rookie was seen working out with the team’s medical staff during the early portion of practice alongside offensive lineman Dominick Puni.

Like on Wednesday, Christian McCaffrey was seen with the ones during several reps, both carrying the ball and as a receiver, but this time the All-Pro ball carrier was not always facing Fred Warner and the first-team defense. At times, coach Kyle Shanahan sent the second team out to try to stop McCaffrey.

McCaffrey did, however, get into the end zone after a handoff from Bock Purdy while both Warner and Dee Winters were on the field. 

The best catch of the day was made by Ricky Pearsall, who continues to show how much he has progressed since his rookie season. It was the opening play of the 49ers’ move-the-ball/two-minute drill when Purdy lofted the ball up where only his receiver could grab it, high-pointing the ball.

Runner-up for best catch of the day was during the same series when Purdy found George Kittle as he was crossing to the left side. The All-Pro managed to keep both toes in bounds for the catch, while Warner pleaded with the official in the area.

The first team offense did not make it to the end zone during that 10-play series, but Purdy still connected with Kittle on two occasions, Kyle Juszczyk and McCaffrey.

The scariest moments of the practice were when Trent Williams somehow ended up on the grass on three separate occasions. The left tackle appeared a little frustrated waiting on the ground until his teammates helped him up off the ground after the third instance.

The 49ers will hold a walk-through on Friday that is closed to the media. Kick off for their final exhibition is 5:00 p.m. PT on Saturday.

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