In Kyle Shanahan's final press conference of the offseason program, the San Francisco 49ers head coach provided a few notable player updates.1. LB Reuben Foster
Foster has been a limited participant in practice due to his ongoing recovery from a shoulder injury. The linebacker took part in individual drills, but was removed for all parts of practice that included contact.
However, Shanahan provided promising news on the rookie ahead of training camp.
"It's been the status quo," the coach said. "He's been doing great with his rehab. I really have no concerns. I think he'll be more than ready to go by training camp. That's my feeling. I can't promise that, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't."
2. TE George Kittle
The fifth-round pick flashed in both practices of this week's mandatory minicamp. On Tuesday, Kittle caught a long touchdown up the right seam on a play-action pass from Pierre Garçon. On Wednesday, the tight end scored two touchdowns during the red-zone period.
"George is coming (and) really battling," Shanahan said. "He's competed in the run and the pass game. George is a guy you can tell he is going for it, because the way he competes on the field, which you guys have seen at the times you've been out there. Mainly, what he does off the field too. He's really trying to learn it and that's given him a chance to show up a little bit."
3. WR Trent Taylor
Like Kittle, Taylor is another rookie who consistently made plays throughout OTAs and minicamp. Thus far, the shifty slot receiver has shown that the 49ers are getting exactly what they hoped for when they drafted him in the fifth round.
"Trent is a competitive guy," Shanahan said. "He gets after it. He's very good at separating. Like all of the rookies right now, everything has been thrown at him. He's had some really good days, and he's had some days where he's been off. I'm really excited about Trent. I'm excited for him to soak all of this in, get away for a little bit and I think he'll come back to training camp and get some good competition out there."
4. TE Garrett Celek
While Kittle and undrafted free agent Cole Hikutini have garnered some recent attention, Celek continues to provide the 49ers with a steady veteran presence at tight end. Celek posted 29 receptions for 350 yards in 2016 and has scored six touchdowns over the past two seasons.
The tight end position is going to be incredibly competitive come training camp.
"We have six guys who I believe are all NFL players," Shanahan said. "So, we've got some good competition there. It's going to be tough for the coaches, but it's definitely a good problem to have.
"Speaking of Celek, he's done a great job. I've been a fan of him throughout his career. I remember studying him a couple years ago when I thought he was going to be a free agent. I think it was last year, but they ended up signing him before he went to the market. He's learning new stuff just like everyone else is, but that whole group in general is doing a real good job."
