Kyle Shanahan likes what he's seen from his team through two days of organized team activities. The San Francisco 49ers head coach met with reporters following Tuesday's practice to provide a progress report.
Here are his thoughts on seven notable 49ers players.1. LB Reuben Foster
Foster will be eased along after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. Thus far, there have been no setbacks, and Shanahan plans on keeping it that way. The coach said mental reps for the first-round linebacker will be crucial over the next month.
"Rueben, everything out there he's got to watch. We've allowed him to participate in anything that there's no possibility of contact. So, if he's doing any of the individual drills and not going against people, then he's able to do everything because he can run and do it all. We've got to be able to avoid collisions right now. He's trying to stay locked in. I know it's hard for him. He wants to run around out there, but he can't do it. We've got to be smart with it. We can't set him back."2. LB NaVorro Bowman
He said it on the radio a few weeks back and he affirmed it again on Tuesday: NaVorro Bowman doesn't look like a player coming off of an Achilles injury.
"He looks like the guy I've seen on tape over the years."**
- DB Jimmie Ward**
Ward is expected to spend the 2017 season as the 49ers single high safety. Despite limited contact during OTAs, Shanahan isn't concerned about Ward's transition from a hitting and tackling perspective.
"Jimmie, from what I've seen of his college tape and how he's played nickel, how he's played corner, he's not a guy I'm too worried about tackling. So, I'm looking forward to it."4. WR Trent Taylor
Taylor caught several passes out of the slot on Tuesday, and was recognized by his head coach after the fact.
"Trent's a guy who is very good at separating. He's very quick. He's a very tough player. His feet are usually under him. So, he always can make a couple moves in a short area which is a quality that a lot of people look for in a slot receiver."**
- LB Aaron Lynch**
Lynch told reporters on Tuesday that he's still about 10 pounds away from his target weight of 270 pounds, but added that he's doing all he can to get there. Shanahan acknowledged Lynch's hard work.
"There's no doubt Aaron's going in the right direction for us. He came in in the offseason, we challenged him hard with just the way we worked and stuff. He hasn't shied away from any of it. He's jumped in on all of our stuff. He's gotten better each day. He's gotten more in shape each day and I'm seeing it on the field each day."**
View the top images from Monday as the 49ers took the field for first day of organized team activities.
- LB Ahmad Brooks**
The veteran pass-rusher dominated first-team reps as the SAM linebacker on Tuesday. Shanahan said Brooks has earned every bit of the opportunity.
"He's getting them because he deserves them. Watching how he played last year and then going into this offseason, you never know when a guy who has been around a bunch, if they're going to feel that they need the offseason like other people do, and Ahmad's been here every day. He's worked at everything. He's in good shape. He's done what we've asked in the weight room with Ray and he's done everything with the position coaches and coordinator on defense. So, I think he's learning it and he should because he's putting the work in."7. G Joshua Garnett
The second-year lineman worked at both left and right guard on Tuesday. He'll continue to do so until the coaching staff decides where he fits best.
"You need some versatility. But, it's something we want him to workout at both and hopefully we'll put him in a spot that's the best for him and hopefully it will be the best for the team."
