Niners Nation
Thursday’s joint practice between the Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers kicked off before the heat became unbearable in the afternoon. The list of 49ers players not participating grows longer by the day. DE Nick Bosa (neck soreness) joined LG Ben Bartch (elbow, out for the week), S Jason Pinnock, and CB Tre Brown (both with heel injuries), adding to the thin 49ers roster.
LT Trent Williams didn’t participate in team drills with what could be described as a “vet day.” LT Spencer Burford filled in for Williams, and Connor Colby and Nick Zakelj rotated at LG, filling in for Bartch.
CB Upton Stout (calf), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), CB Renardo Green (hamstring), DE Mykel Williams (knee), WR Jauan Jennings (calf), WR Jordan Watkins (ankle), S Richie Grant (knee), RB Jordan James (finger), RB Isaac Guerendo, CB Fabian Moreau, DL Robert Beal Jr. (groin), DT Kevin Givens (pec), DE Sam Okuayinonu, DT Jordan Elliott (back) were all absent on Thursday.
To make matters worse, DT C.J. West got rolled up on in practice, but the injury was diagnosed as a hyperextension, much like Williams’ injury. The injury recovery has the same timeline as Williams’. Bullet dodged.
Let’s get into the winners and losers from Thursday’s joint practice.
Winners
Ricky Pearsall
Pearsall continues his stellar play while ramping up for the season with several catches against the Raiders’ defense. The rapport between Pearsall and Brock Purdy will need to continue, given the uncertainty of the available receivers for the 49ers in Week 1. Pearsall added a touchdown on a deep throw, which split the Raider safeties.
Christian McCaffrey
The joint practice offered a glimpse of McCaffrey’s potential usage in 2025 after returning from a knee injury. McCaffrey was very involved with nearly 15 touches and looks like his explosive 2023 self. Kyle Shanahan confirmed McCaffrey has reached 25 MPH on his GPS chip. Purdy praised McCaffrey’s mindset and said he’s “on one.”
Chase Lucas
In Stout’s absence, Lucas continues to make plays. Lucas secured an interception off a Raider receiver’s drop. Stout’s injury isn’t considered serious, but Lucas is making a case to make the 53-man roster and provide valuable depth at the nickel spot.
Losers
The 49ers’ defensive line
West’s injury only makes the defensive line even thinner heading into Saturday’s preseason matchup with Las Vegas. The run defense was gashed by rookie running back Ashton Jeanty for big plays. The line is razor thin, depth-wise, so it’s not a concern for the Week 1 starting defense. This team can’t afford any more injuries to the defense. Three starters were on the field to face the Raiders: Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir and linebackers Fred Warner and Dee Winters.
The team will need to be very careful on Saturday. Getting through the game as healthy as possible has to be the only goal. Shanahan did say the starters on offense would get some run. Start holding your breath now.
