The San Francisco 49ers are approaching full strength in their running back group, although rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling missed practice due to a shoulder injury. Stribling has been a standout, leading the team with 11 receptions for 109 yards across two preseason games.
Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir also sat out practice, with both players listed as "day to day." This left the 49ers without two anticipated starting cornerbacks, as Renardo Green is also recovering from a mild hamstring injury.
On a positive note, four players returned to practice, including veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, who had previously exited a joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers due to quadriceps tightness. Evans made his presence felt early in practice by catching a pass from quarterback Brock Purdy.
Reserve running back Jordan James returned after recovering from a rib fracture, joining rookie Kaelon Black, who is expected to back up Christian McCaffrey, who is out with tightness. Other players absent from practice included offensive lineman Austen Pleasants and linebacker Nick Martin due to injuries. Meanwhile, guard Dominic Puni and defensive tackle CJ West were cleared to practice after passing concussion protocols.
Competition continues at left guard between rookie Carver Willis and Connor Colby, while veteran Robert Jones remains unavailable due to an undisclosed injury.