Three well-known members of the San Francisco 49ers returned to practice on Tuesday.
Kendall Hunter, Jimmie Ward and Aaron Lynch all had noticeable roles in 11-on-11 periods. The veteran running back, second-year defensive back and outside linebacker had their practice reps monitored in the first two weeks of camp, but the trio is getting back involved in team periods.
Hunter caught a swing pass from Colin Kaepernick in the first team period. Lynch later showed excellent awareness by not falling for a play-action fake. The fifth-round draft pick, who tied Ahmad Brooks for the team lead with six sacks last season, stayed home and was in position to record a would-be sack.
Ward also showed great instincts during 11-on-11 work. After Torrey Smith beat a cornerback for a 15-yard pass, the defensive back quickly squared his shoulders up to the incoming receiver. Ward showed he was immediately in position to make a tackle.
Here are other notable oberservations from the session:
- Following the announcement of Jerome Simpson's six-game suspension being handed out by the NFL, Jim Tomsula and the receiver met with reporters.
"There are consequences for everything you do," the coach said. "Jerome was out of football for a year. Now he's here, and he's doing everything we're asking him to do. He's in a good place, but he also understands there is no margin for error. I do believe in Jerome, and I believe he's going to be a success story."
Simpson also added this thought:
"It's a blessing to be able to get back to playing football. I'm blessed to be with this organization and the people who stand behind me. I'm committed to proving those people right - that I can turn it around.
"The choices you make, you have to deal with the consequences. I'm going to work hard every week and study my playbook."
- Defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey sat out of practice due to a minor muscle strain, according to a team spokesman. Rookie wide receiver Dres Anderson (leg soreness) returned to practice after missing the preseason opener against the Houston Texans. Linebacker Desmond Bishop (leg strain) practiced after suffering an injury in the Texans game.
- Members of Kaepernick's charity of choice "Camp Taylor," attended practice and watched their favorite player. Kaepernick and teammates like Smith and Vernon Davis came over to the kids to sign autographs and pose for photos.
- Kaepernick completed a 40-yard touchdown to Smith on his first throw during a 1-on-1 period.
- Cornerback Marcus Cromartie got revenge for the defense later on by breaking up a pair of deep passes, one of which was nearly caught by Smith for a second deep score.
- Shayne Skov continued his strong play in 11-on-11 work with an interception of a pass intended for tight end Busta Anderson.
- A Kaepernick pass intended for Davis deep down the field, was initially tipped by safety Craig Dahl, but Davis showed great concentration by tracking the ball and finishing the catch for a 60-plus yard touchdown.
- Brooks showed great awareness by knocking down a pass at the line of scrimmage.
- Second-year cornerback Dontae Johnson intercepted a pass that bounced off the fingertips of wide receiver DiAndre Campbell.
