Blogs

Morning Tailgate: June 13

One down, two more to go.

After the remaining two days of 49ers mandatory minicamp passes, the team will be off until training camp. That means the next two days will be crucial for the team to continue developing in a fast-paced offseason tempo. But despite the days of the offseason program starting to dwindle, the 49ers coaching staff remains confident that the players inside the locker room will retain the information they’ve picked up this offseason.

In speaking exclusively with ESPN.com’s NFC West blogger Mike Sando, Jim Harbaugh detailed the intelligence of his team, referencing 14 offensive players by name.

“It’s early in the offseason for identities to take shape,” Sando wrote, “but Harbaugh said his team’s collective smarts would allow for great flexibility.”

More 49ers headlines can be found after jump.

Sando offers his practice notes, which included this item on veteran newcomer Randy Moss: “When Moss wasn’t making impressive catches over defensive backs such as Chris Culliver, he was engaged in other ways. Moss worked with quarterbacks Alex Smith and Scott Tolzien off to the side during breaks. He easily could have stood and watched those portions of practice. When the receivers were moving their drill into an area occupied by defensive lineman, Moss jokingly instructed them to vacate the area. Such details mean little when isolated. Together, they validate what coaches and teammates have said about Moss to this point.”

Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee detailed the 49ers being short at linebacker on Tuesday with NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis unavailable to practice for separate reasons. Barrows: “The 49ers were short a couple of all-pro inside linebackers at today’s minicamp practice. One of them, NaVorro Bowman, was back in Maryland because his girlfriend is expecting twins, a team spokesman said. Meanwhile, Patrick Willis was pulled out of practice early and flew home for personal reasons. Both absences, obviously, are excused.”

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com offers his practice notes, which includes this item on a new wideout on the team: “Receiver Mario Manningham had the catch of the practice, a phenomenal sliding effort along the sideline on a pass from quarterback Scott Tolzien against good coverage from rookie cornerback Anthony Mosley.”

49ers.com’s minicamp coverage included: practice notes, Alex Smith discussing his improved quarterbacking mechanics, offensive players discussing the team’s offseason focus on situational football, offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s press pass, Roman’s view on the team’s progress, and photos from the opening minicamp session.

TWEET ABOUT IT

Donte Whitner checks in on Twitter for day 2 of 49ers minicamp. The 49ers safety also visited with KNBR this morning, click here to listen.