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Injuries to the 49ers wide receivers are not making it easy for Jimmy Garoppolo’s chemistry. Then again, a hidden blessing could be how others are bolstering their rapport with him.
Take Dante Pettis, for example.
After a sub-par second season with the 49ers, Pettis is lining up with the first-string offense in training camp, presumably because of his seniority among a young unit. Tuesday was his most productive day with five receptions, four of them across the middle, which is a great sign for someone whose toughness on such routes has been questioned since his 2018 arrival.
“He’s been coming along,” Garoppolo said. “It’s very encouraging, just the physicality he’s playing with and the competitiveness he’s bringing. You love to see it.”
It’s a different look, and not just because Pettis is sporting a svelte mustache.
One play in particular reflected that. On Sunday, Pettis bobbled a short pass from C.J. Beathard, and as linebacker Fred Warner subsequently bobbled a potential interception, Pettis fought back and captured the ball for a completion. Not sure the 2018-19 Pettis would have been so successful at that.
A year ago, his trust from Garoppolo appeared to wane, as evidenced by a pass toward Pettis that got intercepted by Ahkello Witherspoon early in training camp. Over the ensuing months, Pettis plummeted down the depth chart, didn’t play past November and was a healthy scratch in the Super Bowl.
On Monday, between drills and over by the sideline water cooler, Pettis and Garoppolo conversed, laughed and looked like trusted allies.
An improved connection certainly would enhance Pettis’ job prospects, as could depth issues with injuries sidelining Deebo Samuel (foot), Richie James Jr. (wrist) and Jalen Hurd (torn anterior cruciate ligament). Samuel and James could be back in the coming weeks, and Hurd is out for a second straight season.
“Whether it’s Dante or all the receivers, they’re battling their butts off in camp, and it’s been impressive so far,” Garoppolo said.
On Sunday, it was first-round draft pick Brandon Aiyuk who impressed the most, to which Garoppolo complemented his “real, natural instinct running routes.”
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On Monday, Kendrick Bourne took center stage, and, through all four practices, slot king Trent Taylor has impressed in his comeback from 2019 foot chaos. Garoppolo also raved Tuesday about seventh-round pick Jauan Jennings’ confident mentality and do-anything, physical approach.
Of course, Garoppolo is also happy to have his true, go-to target, George Kittle, who signed a record contract for a tight end (five years, $85 million). “I’m so happy for George. It’s well earned,” Garoppolo said. “He deserves every bit of that contact. You see everything he’s been through, coming from Iowa, being a late-round pick and making the most of it. I love to have him on my team and I love his shirt game, too.”
Other quick hits from Garoppolo:
On COVID-19’s impact to the season: “You go back a couple months and there were a lot of questions. My family and friends would ask questions and I wouldn’t know the answer. Pieces had to fall in place perfect and they have, so far. The NFL and (players association) have done a great job putting us in a great atmosphere. You can’t take anymore precautions than we’re taking now. I’m excited for the season and hopefully we keep this thing rolling.”
On his rebuilt left knee: “The knee feels great, for everyone concerned out there. The brace is just for precaution, getting back into camp.” (Garoppolo did not wear that brace the first two weeks of training camp walk-throughs and conditioning.)
On his deep ball: “I’m always working on it. I like where I’m at with it. … It is what is and we’ve got the guys to (catch) it this year.”
On his Jordan-brand cleats: “I really like the 10s. They’re my babies right now. I’ll stick with those now and see how they go. I’ve got a couple color variations.”
