The San Francisco 49ers' running back group is nearing full strength, but rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling did not participate in practice after a strong showing in the previous game. Stribling leads the team with 11 catches for 109 yards over two preseason games.
Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir and Stribling were both held out due to shoulder injuries, with the team labeling them as "day to day." Lenoir's absence left the 49ers without two of their expected starting cornerbacks, as Renardo Green was also sidelined with a mild hamstring injury.
On a positive note, four players returned to practice, including veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, who had previously left a joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers due to quadriceps tightness. Evans quickly made an impact by catching a pass from quarterback Brock Purdy early in practice. Reserve running back Jordan James also returned after recovering from a rib fracture.
James and rookie Kaelon Black, who returned last week after an impressive preseason debut, are expected to serve as the primary backups to Christian McCaffrey, who remains out with unspecified tightness.
In addition to the absences, offensive lineman Austen Pleasants and linebacker Nick Martin were also out due to injuries sustained during Thursday's practice. Linebacker Jalen Graham missed practice for an undisclosed reason. However, guard Dominic Puni and defensive tackle CJ West were cleared to practice after passing through the concussion protocol.
During practice, Purdy connected with receiver Jordan Watkins for a notable completion, despite pressure from rookie edge Romello Height. On the defensive side, rookie linebacker Larry Worth III and veteran cornerback Eli Apple combined for a takeaway against backup quarterback Mac Jones.
