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Season ticket holders await for players to sign autographs after practice.
(Photo: Samuel Lam/Examiner.com)
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their final mini-camp practice on Friday in front of a small crowd of fans. About 200 season ticket holders and 49ers faculty members were invited to watch the afternoon practice.
In front of fans, 49ers displayed their focus on goal line scoring. The team placed the ball on the 1-yard line and worked on trying to punch in the ball for the score. The offense focused on various running and passing plays during the drill.
There weren't any new noticeable changes to the practice drills for this session, but a lot of backups received a lot more playing time. Quarterback Nate Davis received a bulk of reps with the offense and receivers Dominique Zeigler and Bakari Grant also had their good share of playing time.
Backup linebacker Scott McKillop played a key role during 7-on-7 drills. After a touchdown scored by wide receiver Michael Crabtree, McKillop followed it with by tipping a pass across the middle right to himself for an interception. After that play, McKillop deflected another Alex Smith pass for an incomplete.
During the morning practice, linebacker Navorro Bowman struggled to keep pace with his assignments and was behind on some plays. During the 11-on-11 team drills, Bowman jumps in front of tight end Delanie Walker on a slant route and picks off Smith for a would be touchdown.
The team ran the 2-minute offense to end the practice, putting the first team offensive line (with backup receivers and backs) against the second team defense. The ball was placed on the offense's own 31-yard line with 2:17 on the clock. Here is how it went down.
- 1st & 10- Incomplete to Williams.
- 2nd & 10- 4-yard pass to Williams. 2-minute warning.
- 3rd & 4- 6-yard pass to Coffee in the flat.
- 1st & 10- 7-yard pass to Coffee in the flat.
- 2nd & 3- Smith overthrows a wide open Williams in the end zone.
- 3rd & 3- Incomplete wide to Hill.
- 4th & 3- Finley with reception for first down.
- 1st & 10- Williams catch in middle for 5 yards. Timeout with 1:00 remaining.
- 2nd & 5- Overthrows Finley.
- 3rd & 5- Briggs bats down pass at line of scrimmage.
- 4th & 5- Paymah breaks up pass intended for Williams. Turnover on downs.
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Other notes from today:
- Cornerback Keith Smith was released by the team prior to the practice. Linebacker Brandon Long was put on waivers.
- During field goal drills, punt returner LeRoy Vann practice his receiving by catching all the made field goals.
- The tried out different offensive linemen to play center during 7-on-7 drills, using defensive lineman and linebackers to simulate blitzes.
- Running back Anthony Dixon, during 11-on-11 drills received a lot of running plays. It was a sign of giving Dixon some playing time after sitting out team drills for most of this week.
- The 49ers invited season ticket holders and members of their faculty to watch the afternoon practice. About 200 people were in attendance. There were booths set up for fans and kids to play around during the practice.
- Head coach Mike Singletary has canceled all practices for Saturday. The team won't meet together as a whole until late July when they report for Training Camp. Training camp is scheduled to begin on August 2.
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Below is a slideshow with photos from both practice sessions on Friday.
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