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Giants and 49ers Begin Full-Pad Practices With Rookie Standouts and Roster Injuries

Padded practices are prompting fresh depth evaluations after the Giants lost Bryce Ford-Wheaton for the season, with rookie defenders also powering San Francisco’s early contact drills.

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Mykel Williams (98) participates in a drill during the 49ers pre-season practice at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
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Overview

  • After a ruptured Achilles ruled Bryce Ford-Wheaton out for 2025, the Giants re-signed return specialist Gunner Olszewski to stabilize their special teams unit.
  • In their second padded session, the Giants ran mostly ground plays in sweltering heat while Malik Nabers left with a shoulder concern that later proved nonserious and several reserves collected minor injuries.
  • Full-contact drills have sharpened the Giants’ offensive line picture, with Evan Neal earning praise in his guard experiment and rookie Cam Skattebo showcasing punishing run bursts before a scaled-back Tuesday role.
  • San Francisco’s first two full-pad workouts spotlighted defensive rookies Mykel Williams and C.J. West, who both overpowered offensive linemen in one-on-one pass-rush reps and drew high marks from coordinator Robert Saleh.
  • The 49ers have tracked quarterback Mac Jones’s progress under Kyle Juszczyk’s praise, even as key receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and Tarron Jackson remained sidelined by injury during padded drills.