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49ers Earn Change of Scenery

Simply put, training camp is a monotonous grind where scenery hardly changes and everything feels routine.

Not anymore.

Mike Singletary threw a curveball to his players prior to Wednesday’s afternoon practice, announcing that camp will be moving south for a day.

The 49ers will hold only one practice on Thursday and it will take place on the campus of Cal-State Monterey Bay.

“It’s pretty cool… literally,” joked quarterback David Carr. “But it’s going to be nice to get away. Any time you can break up camp, it’s definitely welcomed.”

As a California native (Bakersfield), Carr is quite familiar with the coastal town. His father grew up in Santa Cruz and his family made many trips to the nearby town.

“Monterey is super nice, especially when you can go there a week into training camp.”

Atmosphere aside, Carr said he’s feeling more comfortable with the 49ers offensive system each day he’s out on the practice fields.

And it shows.

In maximizing each opportunity, Carr has been pleased with his progress to date. He completed several passes on Thursday, most notably a deep in to Josh Morgan and sideline comeback route to Dominique Zeigler.

“I felt pretty comfortable today and it’s going to keep progressing until the first preseason game and into the regular season. But I’m excited about the progress that I’ve made and hopefully I can keep it going.”

Notes and Quotes

Linebacker Scott McKillop suffered a knee sprain during 7-on-7 work while covering tight end Tony Curtis. The second-year linebacker will be evaluated further by the 49ers medical staff before a timetable is put on his return.

Several impressive passes took place in the afternoon, none more amazing than Alex Smith’s 45-yarder down the middle of the field to Vernon Davis. The Pro Bowl tight end caught his fourth deep touchdown of the day (three in the morning practice) when he got past the two 49ers defenders to catch the perfectly thrown pass.

Nate Davis was twice picked off the in the afternoon. The first took place when he tried to find Michael Crabtree on a quick pass. The second-year wideout mistakenly thought the play was stopped and as soon as the ball arrived in his direction, it ricocheted into the waiting arms of linebacker Matt Wilhelm.

Later in practice, Davis was intercepted by Ahmad Brooks when Davis’ quick pass intended for Glen Coffee was thrown behind the second-year running back.

All Brooks had to do was waltz into the end zone for a pick-six.

“I played running back in high school, and I still hold those skills,” Brooks said. “I don’t really get a chance to get my hands on the ball, but getting a pick is definitely meaningful.”

Check out more photos from Thursday afternoon:

Wide receiver Ted Ginn catches a pass during individual drills.



Tight end Vernon Davis hauls in a 45-yard touchdown between Reggie smith and Manny Lawson.



Running back Frank Gore during individual drills.



Pro Bowl inside linebacker Patrick Willis awaits the play call from defensive coordinator Greg Manusky.



Rookie safety Taylor Mays receives instruction from head coach Singletary.



Brooks celebrates his interception with Willis with a leaping shoulder-bump.



Tackle Joe Staley protects Alex Smith during 11-on-11 work.