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Jones Sidelined with Fractured Shoulder

Wide receiver Brandon Jones will miss an extended period of time after suffering a slight fracture of his right shoulder, 49ers head coach Mike Singletary disclosed on Friday.

The free agent addition was turning heads throughout training camp prior to being injured during red zone 7-on-7 work in Thursday’s afternoon practice.

“It’s going to be a little longer than we anticipated,” Singletary said of Jones’ injury. “But, we’ll work through it.  The receivers that we have, we’re very confident in our guys here.”

Jones’ injury opens the door for the rest of the 49ers talented wideout group. In particular, Dominique Zeigler, Jason Hill and Arnaz Battle could be the main beneficiaries. The way Singletary sees it, the injury doesn’t jeopardize the production from the receivers this season.

“It doesn’t do anything to be honest,” Singletary added. “As I’ve said before, this is not a political speech, it’s the truth.  We’ve got wide receivers that (receivers coach) Jerry Sullivan is working his tail off with them.  They’re growing, progressing.  We’re fine for right now.”

So far at camp, Jones had been lining up at three different spots. Without his versatility, others within the group will have to fill the void. 

“I think that is something that Jerry Sullivan and myself along with Coach Raye will sit down and talk about,” Singletary said of who will step in for Jones as the team’s No. 3 wideout behind Isaac Bruce and Josh Morgan.” Thankfully, as I’ve said before, we have some receivers and I know we have some who are capable of stepping and doing a good job.  I hate that we lost Brandon Jones.  He’s making great strides.  He’s doing a great job (and) he will be back.”

The good news for Jones is that his fracture will not require surgery. Only time is necessary to heal the injury.

Asked if Zeigler could be the man capable of stepping in for Jones, Singletary was complimentary of the lanky wideout from his alma mater, Baylor University.

“Certainly Dominique has continued to make strides since he’s been here.  We’ll just have to sit down and talk about it and see what we’re thinking.”

Now that the 49ers have been at training camp for almost a week, Singletary has been pleased with his team’s progress. After Friday morning’s workout, Singletary gathered his team to discuss the strides that were made throughout the week.

“Right now we’re on track.  We’re not executing the way we want to execute right now.  But I don’t think anyone is outworking us.  As long as you continue to work, game progress and confidence, the execution will come.  But I’m very proud of the guys, in terms of the work ethic.  In terms of the execution, we’re not there yet; we have to just keep plugging away.”

Morning Practice Particulars

Outside linebacker Jay Moore returned to practice after suffering a nasty cut on the middle finger of his left hand. Moore’s hand was heavily taped like he had a boxing glove on his hand.

During 1-on-1 wide receiver defensive back drills, Zeigler made another impressive catch in front of veteran cornerback Dre’ Bly. Zeigler appeared to have no chance of catching a pass headed towards the sideline, but Zeigler reached out and grabbed the pass. The catch was so impressive; all of the defensive backs on the sideline watching the drill couldn’t help but look at each other in amazement after what they had just witnessed.  

Before the team met for their final 11-on-11 portion of practice, 10-year linebacker Jeff Ulrbich gathered everyone to remind them to finish the practice strong.

“I just felt like occasionally about this time of camp, people start to get tired,” Ulbrich said. “They start losing their legs a little bit and the energy starts to fizzle. I just felt like we needed to finish strong and that was basically all I was saying to the group.”