Training Camp Winners & Losers from Day 10: Injuries continue to mount

The 49ers can’t afford any more injuries

The San Francisco 49ers returned CB Deommodore Lenoir (hip) and RB Jordan James to practice on Monday, which is good news as both position groups were getting very thin. About an hour before practice began, the team announced the signing of UFL DE Bradlee Anae. In addition to Anae, the team added DL Bruce Hector, CB Fabian Moreau, OL Isaiah Prince, and brought back S Jaylen Mahoney.

The 49ers shocked many by releasing K Greg Joseph, which effectively ends the kicker competition, as well as by waiving QB Tanner Mordecai, TE Mason Pline, CB Tre Avery, and WR Isaiah Neyor. Nick Bosa, Trent Williams, and Christian McCaffrey were given vet days off on Monday. FB Kyle Juszczyk (day to day, Achilles was stepped on) and RB Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) were not seen at practice after sustaining injuries on Saturday. Guerendo will miss a few weeks. DT Kevin Givens did not participate and Kyle Shanahan said he may return during the season with a pectoral injury. DE Sam Okuayinonu will miss a cuple of weeks with a groin injury.

DL Yetur Gross-Matos was seen doing some sprinting on the field for the first time in training camp, per David Lombardi of The SF Standard. RT Colton McKivitz returned to practice also.

Winners

Ricky Pearsall

The positive reports continue for the second-year receiver. Pearsall routinely won every matchup during one-on-ones and team period. The upcoming joint practices with the Denver Broncos will be imperative for Pearsall as he faces off against Patrick Surtain II and Jahdae Barron. Still, the encouraging reports about his play in training camp will no doubt instill hope from the coaching staff and fan base. The only blemish on Pearsall’s record today was a PBU from Upton Stout.

Jake Moody

With the team releasing Joseph, it’s a good sign for the third-round kicker. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner isn’t convinced the competition is over, citing the need for more position players ahead of their preseason opener this weekend. Joseph likely won’t be signed so there is a chance for a return, but for now Moody looks primed to begin the season as the primary kicker. It’s a good thing too, cutting Moody for a kicker off the street would be even more of an indictment of the selection of a kicker in the draft. Kyle Shanahan confirmed Joseph’s release was due to “roster numbers.”

Ben Bartch

Over the weekend, OL coach Chris Foerster said the left guard job is Bartch’s to lose. Bartch returned from injury, and stepped right back into the starting spot, and early in August it appears the 49ers offensive line is set and can start the process of gelling as a group. In limited action last season, Bartch played well, and is set to carry that momentum into the regular season.

Losers

The 49er injury report

The injuries are mounting. The team is already without WR Jauan Jennings, CB Renardo Green, and WR Jacob Cowing. Shanahan revealed today the injuries and timelines for Guerendo, Givens, Okuayinonu, and Juszczyk. The 49ers are literally limping into the joint practices with Denver. Shanahan said the team will have to be smart and will script the practices with Denver HC Sean Payton. The goal needs to be leaving the practices as healthy as possible.