2007 TRAINING CAMP REPORTS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

POSTED 12:08 p.m. EDT, August 6, 2007  by Michael David Smith

Early reviews of the four veteran additions to the defense have been positive if not glowing.

One of those additions, CB Nate Clements, is still learning the terminology of coordinator Greg Manusky's defense.

Linebackers coach Mike Singletary said he expects LB Tully Banta-Cain to become one of the league's elite outside linebackers.

Rookie OT Joe Staley wore the same pair of shorts for four straight practices.

Justin Chabot of the 49ers' scouting department says the team was pleased with this year's crop of rookies because "all of them can really run and they are all athletes."

TE Vernon Davis and G Larry Allen had to be pulled apart during a heated argument, but everyone insists it was no big deal.

Owner John York is spending his summer campaigning for the 49ers' new stadium.

POSTED 10:48 a.m. EDT, August 4, 2007  by Michael David Smith

New offensive coordinator Jim Hostler wants QB Alex Smith to take advantage of his mobility: "Five or six times a game, he's going to have to come alive with his feet."

Rookie LB Patrick Willis continues to impress, running stride for stride with RB Michael Robinson and knocking down a pass from Smith.

RT Kwame Harris is currently ahead of rookie Joe Staley.

But offensive line coach George Warhop describes the competition as "Very close ... We've got two very good players."

NFL officials visited camp and told players that they'll be reminded during games to buckle their chinstraps, as the league believes that can help reduce the risk of concussions.

Coach Mike Nolan is concerned that if long snapper Brian Jennings gets hurt, the 49ers don't have anyone to replace him.

LB Jeff Ulbrich missed the afternoon practice after taking a big hit in the morning.

Former coach Bill Walsh probably deserves more credit for the way he turned around the 49ers' defense. 

POSTED 11:14 a.m. EDT, August 2, 2007  by Michael David Smith

TE Vernon Davis likes to talk trash to the defense when he catches a pass in practice.

Coach Mike Nolan says of trash talk between his players, "As long as you can back it up, it doesn't bother me a lick."

Nolan says he thinks CB Nate Clements can take away the opposing team's No. 1 receiver by himself, allowing the 49ers' secondary to double the No. 2 receiver.

Offensive coordinator Jim Hostler and defensive coordinator Greg Manusky will work two preseason games from the press box and two from the sidelines.

RB Michael Robinson was held out of practice a day after being treated at Stanford Hospital for dehydration.

The coaches hope the injury to RB Frank Gore will give the team a chance to find out how much depth it has on offense.

Free agent RB Arkee Whitlock is expected to join the team today.

There's been talk of naming the 49ers' planned stadium for coach Bill Walsh, but that would require foregoing millions of dollars in corporate naming rights.

POSTED 9:34 a.m. EDT, July 31, 2007  by Michael David Smith

Coach Mike Nolan opened Monday's practice with the Oklahoma drill.

DT Bryant Young remembers Bill Walsh as a man who had a big impact early in his career.

Young is sitting out with a sore back and rookie G Sean Estrada sat out in the afternoon with a knee strain. QB Trent Dilfer and CB Walt Harris are being held to one practice a day.

RB Frank Gore has a broken hand, but he could resume practicing as early as Monday.

Backup RBs Michael Robinson, Maurice Hicks and Thomas Clayton will get increased practice time while Gore recovers.

G Larry Allen reported to camp weighing 340 pounds, about 20 pounds lighter than last year.

WR Darrell Jackson practiced for the second consecutive day and said that while he has pain in his big toe, it held up well.

Rookie DE Ray McDonald suffered a dislocated finger in the first practice Monday.