Francies Signed, Oshinowo Released
Posted by Taylor Price on August 7, 2009 – 6:48 PM
The 49ers made a roster move just before the start of Friday’s afternoon training camp workout. The team announced the signing of wide receiver Chris Francies. To make room for Francies, defensive lineman Babatunde Oshinowo was released.
Francies joined his new teammates as they were already on the practice field working on form tackling and ball security drills which they’ve done sporadically during camp at the start of practice.
The other noticeable change was in the equipment department, as the players participated in their first non-padded training camp practice.
In his first day of participating in team drills after suffering a hip flexor injury early in camp, outside linebacker Parys Haralson came up with an interception during 11-on-11 work. Shaun Hill’s pass was tipped at the line by Isaac Sopoaga and Haralson was able to make an impressive fingertip catch before the ball hit the ground.
“Ice (Sopoaga) tipped it up and I caught it – that’s basically what happened,” Haralson said of the play. “I got good hands, so I was able to catch it with my fingertips.”
Haralson said he felt no lingering pain from the hip injury.
“Everything is feeling good. I’m excited to get back on track,” he added.
Other highlights of practice included both Hill and Alex Smith leading the first- and second-team offenses on two-minute drives to close out the workout. Hill’s first series ended when Vernon Davis was stripped from behind by Nate Clements. The fumble was recovered by Reggie Smith.
Smith’s drive ended with a 25-yard field goal from undrafted kicker Alex Romero. Romero was able to attempt a kick thanks to two nice catches from Dominique Zeigler, including a 25-yard dig route that put the offense in field goal range.
Although they weren’t able to shutout Smith’s drive, the defense was pleased with their performance in the two-minute scenarios as well as their play for the entire day.
“We’re happy with how we played today but there’s always room for improvement,” Haralson said. “We’ll look at the film, watch our mistakes and come back out here tomorrow morning ready to go again.”
The team will be back on the practice field early Saturday morning for the first of two more practices.
Tags: Chris Francies, Parys Haralson
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