Reed flashes nifty catching skills in first 49ers practice

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SANTA CLARA -- It did not take long for tight end Jordan Reed to exhibit his skills on the 49ers’ practice field.

Reed, an oft-injured seven-year NFL veteran, sat out the first eight practices of camp this summer to get his body prepared for his first practice in a long, long time. He signed a one-year contract with the 49ers on Aug. 9.

Upon being cleared and stepping on the field for the first time on Tuesday, Reed showed his route-running skills during a one-on-one drill with Jimmy Garoppolo throwing the passes.

Reed made a nifty catch against tight coverage from 49ers safety Tarvarius Moore. Then, he caught another pass on a quick slant against Moore.

Then, starter Jaquiski Tartt took over against Reed, and Reed ran smooth and sudden routes to create separation for two more receptions.

“We wanted to ease him back in today, give him a couple routes in one-on-one, give him a couple plays in team (drills) – not too much.” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “When you’re not out for a while, you got to go out and get your first practice in, take that monkey off your back.

“Hopefully, he accomplished that today from his standpoint, mentally. But physically, I thought he looked real good.”

Reed made a catch of a C.J. Beathard throw on an intermediate route over the middle during the 11-on-11 portion of practice.

Reed is making a comeback after sitting out all of the 2019 season from a concussion he sustained during the preseason while with Washington. He is attempting to earn a roster spot among a tight end group that includes George Kittle, Ross Dwelley, Charlie Woerner, Chase Harrell and newly signed veteran Erik Swoope.

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He returns to the same system in which he entered the NFL in 2013 as a third-round draft pick. Reed played his rookie season with Shanahan, who was Washington’s offensive coordinator under his father, head coach Mike Shanahan.

Reed’s best NFL season came in 2015 when he caught 87 passes for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns and was named to the NFC Pro Bowl team.

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