Still a long way to go, but here is where we stand
Wednesday is a well-deserved off day for the San Francisco 49ers after two straight padded practices. To update a few players dealing with injuries, Mykel Williams missed yesterday’s session with a minor injury, as did Ricky Pearsall (planned rest day), Jauan Jennings (calf), Renardo Green (hamstring), and Jacob Cowing (hamstring).
As the team resumes camp tomorrow, the interesting training camp battles have at least some semblance of a pecking order, according to reports from the media and with some comments from coaches in their press conferences.
Dee Winters vs Nick Martin
After the 49ers invested in Martin with significant draft capital, it at the very least signaled a battle between the former Oklahoma State linebacker and the third-year linebacker Winters. The comparison of Martin to former 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw was popular following his draft selection, but it is Winters who is drawing that comparison with his play during camp.
49ers LB Dee Winters solidified the starting spot opposite of Fred Warner today, imo
His sideline to sideline speed is top notch and his aggression was noticeable today — dare I say reminiscent of Dre Greenlaw…
— Brad (@Graham_SFN) July 28, 2025
Initial reports from Matt Barrows of The Athletic and Nick Wagoner of ESPN have been positive regarding Winters’ camp performance. The battle is far from over, but while the reports are encouraging, Winters’ admission of taking better care of his body and recovering is far more encouraging.
EDGE: Winters
Nickel Cornerback
Green’s injury has forced the 49ers into a bit of a shuffle with the second outside cornerback position. Dallis Flowers, who has received some buzz, and Tre Brown have rotated reps, and rookie Upton Stout has taken over as the primary nickel cornerback.
Initially, the plan was for Stout and Brown to compete, but given Brown’s versatility, Stout has taken full advantage of his opportunities. NBC Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco outlined Stout’s play during the first padded practice.
As described in real time:
A beautiful PBU by Upton Stout https://t.co/5vzUiFFhh3 pic.twitter.com/iOfRNGPw4r
— Brad (@Graham_SFN) July 29, 2025
EDGE: Upton Stout
Safety
Robert Saleh’s fingerprints are all over this defense, from the draft picks to the free agent additions to the defense. Malik Mustapha is recovering from a reaggravation of a previous ACL injury, and Ji’Ayir Brown is back for his third season, which gives him a leg up on the strong safety position.
But what about free safety? Jason Pinnock was an intriguing addition given his experience with Saleh and in the system, and it sounds like he is taking his opportunity with the starters and making some noise.
Saleh detailed Pinnock’s strengths and growth in his latest press conference.
“I wouldn’t say player as much as man, if that makes sense. Obviously, he was young, second year when we when we had to cut him. But you know, he is a dad, he’s feels like he’s grown like 20 years, you know? But he still has that youthful athleticism and burst. But working with him, and his intent, his demeanor, his intent when he gets in the building to get better, he’s been fantastic.”
Rookie Marques Sigle will have his opportunities to prove himself, but for now, it sounds like Pinnock is ahead of the pack.
EDGE: Jason Pinnock