San Francisco 49ers:
Shanahan upset with punches at 49ers practice: After halting practice for a second time because of an all-out brawl Tuesday, coach Kyle Shanahan called for his team to huddle up. He promptly delivered some choice words about what had just transpired. Underneath the anger was a simple message about how Shanahan wants his team to play. Physical? Absolutely. Tough? Of course. Irritating? Sure. But when punches are thrown, as there were on two occasions in that Tuesday practice -- namely between star middle linebacker Fred Warner and receiver Brandon Aiyuk -- that's where Shanahan wants the Niners to draw the line.
For each of the past five seasons under Kyle Shanahan, the Niners have had someone different lead the team in rushing. Last year, it was rookie running back Elijah Mitchell, which has many wondering if he can break that streak and do it for a second season in a row. The early returns would indicate he will get the opportunity to do just that.
Mitchell got plenty of touches in Friday's practice and looked to have his sharpest session in this camp yet. One of those runs came off the left side through a hole opened by tackle Trent Williams and guard Aaron Banks that would have gone for a huge gain. Mitchell played through a variety of injuries last year, including broken ribs. But he's come back this year with a few added pounds in an effort to hold up better.
"Elijah is such an efficient runner," Shanahan said. "He doesn't mess around at all ... we're trying not to lose what has got him here and add other elements to his game that his body is capable of doing." -- Nick Wagoner
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