Overview
- At the 49ers’ opening training-camp practice on Sunday, reserve tackle Vederian Lowe and veteran receiver Christian Kirk both left the session early and did not return.
- Acting head coach Chris Foerster said Lowe was dealing with an ankle issue and deferred formal timelines to head coach Kyle Shanahan's injury-reporting protocol.
- Foerster confirmed Enrique Cruz Jr. stepped into Lowe’s vacated reps and earned praise from coaches for his early work on the tackle rotation.
- Foerster also highlighted strong early showings from free-agent signing Mike Evans and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, which could help the receiving room if Kirk misses time.
- Outside commentary has suggested Kirk may have a calf issue and that his history of soft-tissue injuries could prolong recovery, but the team has not released an official diagnosis and further updates will come in the next practices.