SANTA CLARA – Coach Kyle Shanahan suggested a goal of limiting star running back Christian McCaffrey’s workload.
The completion of the 49ers’ offseason program included stock footage of backup running backs Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason running routes and catching passes out of the backfield.
McCaffrey did not practice during the offseason program, including two days of the team’s mandatory minicamp after signing a two-year contract extension through the 2027 season.
Mitchell caught just six passes for 14 yards last season, while Mason contributed three receptions for 31 yards. If the offseason schedule is any indication, Shanahan should have more faith in the pass-catching abilities of both players.
“Running backs can get six targets in a game without being called upon for a single play simply because they are checked frequently,” Shanahan said.
Mitchell led the way in previous practices this spring. On Wednesday, Mason caught three passes from quarterback Brock Purdy in offense-versus-defense drills.
The 49ers have been reluctant to take McCaffrey out of games, largely because of his abilities as a third-down pass catcher.
As Mitchell and Mason develop more of those skills, the 49ers could find more plays for those players to limit wear and tear on McCaffrey throughout the season.
Here are some other observations from the 49ers’ mandatory minicamp:
— Offensive tackle Trent Williams returned to the 49ers facility after attending his daughter’s graduation. He did not participate in any exercises on the field.
– Defensive tackle Maliek Collins, who sat out the offseason program to stay with his family, was in Santa Clara and worked on a sideline. Many of the team’s veteran players did not participate in practices during minicamp.
“When guys haven’t been here for Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, just to throw them in there on those things, we’re not going to risk that,” Shanahan said.
– Newly signed veteran tight end Logan Thomas joined practice after signing with the club on Tuesday. He caught a pass from Brandon Allen early during 7-on-7 work.
– Sophomore tight end Brayden Willis looked noticeably more comfortable as part of the team’s passing game this offseason, while George Kittle continued physical therapy following offseason core muscle surgery. Willis’ best catch came when he caught a Purdy dart in traffic on a seam route. Willis made another catch against good coverage by linebacker Dee Winters.
– Cameron Latu, a third-round pick last season, appeared to be running almost full speed on a side field. Latu spent his rookie season on injured reserve after undergoing a knee procedure. He hasn’t experienced any setbacks, Shanahan said, and is on track to be ready for the start of training camp in late July.
– Deebo Samuel took consecutive throws from Purdy to start the 11-on-11 session, including a 35-yard gain against cornerback Samuel Womack’s coverage.
– Ronnie Bell faces the challenge of earning a roster spot. On Wednesday, a pass from Brandon Allen slipped into his lands on a deep seam route.
– On the third play of Tuesday’s practice, Purdy hit rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall on a 30-yard corner route. Pearsall was a regular in targets and receptions during the offseason program.
“He’s doing a good job,” Shanahan said of Pearsall. “He has very good hands, so he will rarely have a fall. We’re giving it a lot of repetitions. He is taking a lot of different routes, trying all the positions and we are really impressed with how he started.”
– The 49ers expect more production from the defensive end opposite Nick Bosa than they have gotten in the past. Veteran Leonard Floyd showed something with a quick move around the corner to beat right tackle Colton McKivitz, forcing Purdy out of the pocket. Floyd had 39.5 sacks over the past four seasons before signing with the 49ers this offseason as a free agent.
– Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos wasn’t fooled at all by a bootleg, as he stayed with Purdy as he turned left. Gross-Matos forced Purdy’s pass incomplete to fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
– The 49ers worked for a period on the new kickoff format. Mitchell, Bell, Pearsall, Trent Taylor, Terique Owens and Cody Schrader all got reps as returners.
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