Jason Peters Makes Surprise Appearance


Photo by Jeff Fusco

Photo by Jeff Fusco

To the surprise of head coach Chip Kelly, the trainers and some of his teammates alike, Jason Peters suited up and participated both in individual and some team drills Thursday.

He will be listed as a limited participant.

Kelly told reporters prior to Thursday’s session that Peters would be a no-go as he was “still going through rehab for his back.”

Yet there Peters was inside the training bubble, helmet on, taped up and lining up with the first team at left tackle.

Speaking to his teammates afterwards (Peters did not make himself available to the media), the consensus was that Peters was with the starting unit in team drills about half the time. They also rotated Dennis Kelly in at right tackle and flipped Lane Johnson to left. With this much uncertainty around Peters’ back injury, the coaching staff wants to make sure it has all its bases covered.

“I didn’t know,” said Johnson of Peters practicing. “I just saw him getting dressed in here so I guess he was going out…I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m playing right and playing left, in practice kind of flipping back and forth.”

Johnson added that he is expecting to play right tackle this week against the Bucs unless told otherwise.

Has Peters talked with Johnson about how he feels physically?

“All of us don’t feel too good,” he responded. “But no, I think his back is feeling better than it has. I guess he’s expecting to go as far as I know.”

It certainly seems like there have been some communication issues surrounding this situation. Last week, Johnson didn’t know until right before kickoff what position he’d be playing. Today’s unexpected appearance was further evidence that it’s been difficult to get everyone on the same page here.

“It sucks because it’s always better to know exactly what’s going to happen,” said Dennis Kelly, who is preparing o play just about everywhere on the o-line this week, “but in terms of preparation it’s not really anything new.”

Here’s the full report:

DID NOT PARTICIPATE

G Josh Andrews (concussion), QB Sam Bradford (concussion, left shoulder), S Jerome Couplin (shoulder), WR Josh Huff (back), RB Ryan Mathews (concussion, groin)

LIMITED

LB Connor Barwin (quadricep), T Jason Peters (back)

FULL PARTICIPANTS

LB DeMeco Ryans (hamstring), S Walter Thurmond (hamstring)

Huff said that his back locked up on him this morning after feeling a little discomfort during Wednesday’s practice. He said he expects to play against the Bucs. Barwin indicated that he is good to go this week.

Bradford remains in concussion protocol and is not expected to play. Same for Ryan Mathews, who has not even been taking in practice from the sidelines.

“He’s doing better,” said Darren Sproles. “Day by day.”