The San Francisco 49ers returned to the practice field on Saturday. According to The Athletic’s Matt Barrows, the team brought back undrafted free agent tight end Khalil Dinkins. That’s right, the tight end news we were all waiting for.
During Thursday’s preseason game, the Niners played five different tight ends: Bradyen Willis (37 snaps), Hayden Rucci (29), Jake Tonges (18), Luke Farrell (13), and Josiaha Deguara (12).
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The 49ers may want to see if Dinkins is worth a practice squad stash. There has been no announcement about a corresponding move to open a roster spot for Dinkins.
Rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling and veteran cornerback Deommodore Lenoir have shoulder injuries. They’re considered day-to-day and didn’t practice on Saturday.
The three players who sustained injuries during Thursday’s game, Renardo Green (hamstring), Austen Pleasants (knee), and Nick Martin (hamstring), were also not practicing.
Raheem Morris is scheduled to speak after Saturday’s practice, so don’t expect to get any injury updates today.
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Wide receiver Mike Evans was back at practice after leaving Tuesday’s joint practice with tightness. That’s a good sign.
Right guard Dominick Puni and defensive tackle CJ West returned after missing time with a concussion. We still haven’t seen West in the preseason.
Second-year running back Jordan James (ribs) is feeling better after Kaelon Black’s preseason performance. James is back at practice. It would be a nice luxury if the 49ers offense had three competent running backs they could use throughout the season.
During OTAs, it was James, not Black, who was getting the reps with the starters when Christian McCaffrey would have an off day. James will look to take back the RB2 role from Black in a competition that will likely last into the season.