It is hard to believe that we are already in the second week of training camp. The first week of course was filled with getting the team together, figuring out the early depth chart, and checking in on progress.…
Of course, the team suffered two key injuries early in camp at running back. Hunter went down with an ACL injury that will likely have him miss the entire season. Meanwhile, fellow back LaMichael James dislocated his shoulder, and will be out for a month or so. These injuries are certainly going to impact the odds for NFL Week 1 as the depth behind Frank Gore is now up in the air. Rookie Carlos Hyde has been making an impression already this summer, and Marcus Lattimore is due back from injury in the coming weeks. Meanwhile Jewel Hampton has shown flashes in each season he has spent with the club, but thus far has been unable to make the final roster.This week, expect there to be lots of attention on some key position battles. The third tight end spot is wide open with an injury to Celek, and the depth is also highly unsettled at middle linebacker and across the defensive backfield. Meanwhile, the team needs to establish roles along the defensive line as there is lots of young talent, including Carradine, Dial, and Okoye all of which are vying for play time.
There was some good news on Justin Smith his summer - he has had some successful surgery and appears stronger than last season. Smith saw his action limited last year with an injury that was never really made public. He simply played through it.
The receiver competition should continue to heat up. Crabtree and Boldin are locks as starters but Johnson and Lloyd will not sit around quietly. Both have been impressive and will want the ball. Meanwhile Patton and Ellington have been rather quiet but provide solid depth as they too try and distinguish themselves. No question, Kaepernick has more weapons than ever before.