Robert Saleh also said that Dee Winters has the potential to be a “fun player to watch.”
The San Francisco 49ers finished their second practice that was open to the media. These are still non-padded practices. So, it’s difficult to take much away from a practice in a contact sport where you can’t be physical.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team had a maintenance plan for star players Nick Bosa, Trent Williams, and Christian McCaffrey:
“Yeah, there were a number of guys, like guys with injury pasts, guys with age, guys who are going through stuff now, guys who aren’t totally hurt, but there are certain things with their history, or what their ages are that we have plans with. So, they’re all different, but a lot of those guys are coming off an off day. They just do individual. Sometimes we’ll stagger them, but we’ve got a whole mapped out thing that they update me on each day.”
Those three did not partake in any team drills on Wednesday. On Thursday, they were all active participants in 11-on-11s. Media members present said there were cheers from fans after every CMC touch.
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was at the podium after practice on Thursday. Saleh said, “The best 11 are going to play,” when piggybacking on Kyle Shanahan’s quote that there could be as many as eight new starters on defense.
Saleh said it’s both “awesome” and “exciting” if a new player earns a starting spot. Saleh also understands that it’s going to be a process with so many new faces in the fold, and that it’ll take some time for the defense to gel. After all, with so much turnover, these players don’t know each other, nor do they know Saleh’s system.
The expectation for the 49ers’ defense is clear: “Whether they’re veterans or young, the expectation is that you get better throughout the year. Regardless of whether you’re a 10-year veteran or a young rookie taking his first snap, you go to bed better than when you woke up. The expectation is to get better.”
Saleh was asked about the competition at safety, saying, “It’s wide open,” before listing every safety on the roster. Saleh made it clear that “It’s wide open at safety. At both spots.”
Saleh is intentionally being tight-lipped about the new defenders. He said, “With all of these rookies and new guys, I’m trying to reserve judgment until we get pads on. It’s easy to go in there when you know you’re not going to get blown up.”
Saleh acknowledged how most young guys will only get better with reps. He was specifically talking about linebacker Dee Winters, who has a “cool little chance” to earn playing time alongside Fred Warner this season.
Winters was held back last season after nursing an injury. Saleh said, “Your growth can get stunted when you’re sitting on the bench just watching. There’s nothing like doing.”
Those are wise words from Saleh. He also said that Winters is learning something new every day just through repetition. Saleh said that if Winters continues to learn and grow as a player, “He’ll be a fun player to watch.”