49ers minicamp notes: Kaepernick sees action

Editor's note: The above video is from May 18. 

SANTA CLARA -- Quarterback Colin Kaepernick saw more participation in 49ers practice on Tuesday than even his coach foreshadowed.

Just minutes prior to practice, 49ers coach Chip Kelly said Kaepernick would take part in individual drills but would be held out of 7-on-7 and team sessions.

But Kaepernick, in fact, did take practice snaps during the 49ers’ 7-on-7 drills on the first day of the 49ers’ mandatory three-day minicamp. The only periods in which he did not participate were the full 11-on-11 drills.

Second-year player DeAndrew White caught three passes from Kaepernick, who appeared sharp as he spread the ball around to 11 different targets.

“It’s cool to see Kap out there healthy, first and foremost,” 49ers receiver Torrey Smith said. “He’s working. He’s been out here the entire time. He’s continued to work hard the entire time, kind of staying in the background.

“I’m pretty sure he’ll say that he’s rusty and wants to continue to work, but it’s just cool to see him out there. . . He completed some passes. I don’t think you can ever complain about that. He made a few tough throws into some tight windows. I wouldn’t say it was a bad first day, at all.”

Kaepernick underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder on Nov. 24. Shortly after the season, he also underwent surgeries on his right thumb and left knee.

He is expected to compete with Blaine Gabbert for the starting job when training camp opens in late-July.

Here are other observations from the first day of minicamp:

--First-round draft pick Joshua Garnett lined up at both guard positions as he reported to the team’s offseason program on Tuesday. He was eligible to practice with the team after turning in his final paper in a religion course at Stanford.

What did Garnett do during the time he was required to stay away?

“A lot of school, lifting, studying, field work, just trying to stay on top of everything on our iPads," Garnett said. "I’d get the playbook and the (video of the) practices, and I could watch them on my own . . . and try to stay on top of everything to shorten the gap from when I was gone.”

--Cornerback Dontae Johnson, who appeared to sustain an ankle or leg injury during the final workout of last week, did not practice. The injury does not appear to be serious, as Johnson watched practice from the sideline.

--Gabbert got off to a strong start in a team period devoted to run and play-action pass. Gabbert hit Smith for a deep touchdown.

“Today was a good day for the offense,” Gabbert said. “We’re kind of seeing how everything is meshing, going together, different tempos with different styles of play and the guys did a good job today.”

--The 49ers switched up their offensive line from time to time, with Joe Staley getting some breaks at left tackle. Erik Pears played some of the left side, and Trent Brown same some action with the first team at right tackle.

When asked about Brown’s conditioning, 49ers offensive line coach Pat Flaherty said, “It’s improved. He’s improved. He’s working. The biggest thing with most players, Trent included, is consistency. You can’t be one of those people who go out and workout one day and the next day, you don’t.”

Flaherty was asked if Brown’s conditioning is fine.

“No, he’s not fine," Flaherty said. "But as you get a chance to know me, I don’t think anybody is ever fine. I’m always going to look at the glass as half-full, don’t get me wrong. I believe we’re going to be the best in the league. But I think there’s room for improvement, even in Joe (Staley).

“And Joe’s working his tail off. He will be better than what he played last year. He will be just because of the way he works. And that’s what Trent has to develop. And young players, that doesn’t sink if real quick to those guys. They don’t get it. It takes a while.”

--Undrafted rookie receiver Bryce Treggs had a good showing, including catching a deep pass from Gabbert during a 7-on-7 session against the coverage of cornerback Keith Reaser. Treggs also looked sure-handed while fielding Bradley Pinion punts, along with Bruce Ellington and DeAndrew White.

--Cornerback Kenneth Acker wrestled a Kaepernick pass away from Jerome Simpson for an interception. Jimmie Ward and Tramaine Brock also made plays to break up passes intended for Dres Anderson and Bruce Ellington, respectively.

--Outside pass rushers Eli Harold, Demetrius Cherry and Tank Carradine got penetration during team drills for either would-be sacks or pass deflections at the line of scrimmage.