49ers WR Mike Evans dealing with 'tightness'

Jadarian Price returned to full participation in practice Monday for the first time in more than a week. The rookie first-round draft choice went right into the starting offense as the lead running back. He took handoffs and caught passes from quarterback Sam Darnold in the shells-and-helmets practice.

Related players: Zach Charbonnet, Emanuel Wilson, George Holani

Price had missed the previous five full practices with what coach Mike Macdonald described as a sore upper leg, the story said. The story mentioned Price will be the lead back, but we've seen reports saying it will be more of a committee. However, with Charbonnet still out because of his knee injury, Price's competition is Wilson and Holani. It makes sense to ease Price into a big workload, but with Charbonnet's timeline unknown, it's easy to see a path toward Price being the team's RB1.

Since the rookie receiver, Cyrus Allen, has returned from his shin injury, he’s been constantly involved with the first-team offense. What I’ve noticed and have continued to notice is that Patrick Mahomes is constantly looking his way during his progressions. Sometimes, he’s even hanging on Allen because he has such confidence that the rookie will come open.

The author said on Tuesday, Allen took some of those seam repetitions that have typically been reserved for Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton. Allen continues to be the name we're all waiting to suddenly vanish from the fantasy radar after a hot start to his offseason work, but so far he continues to hold his own. Every week we're watching highlights of catches from the fifth round rookie, so continue to monitor his progress as we get closer to drafts.

It has taken Rashee Rice a bit of time to get his football legs back after missing OTAs and mandatory minicamp. He’s also still working his way back from offseason knee surgery. Rice has participated fully at practice for several consecutive days now, and he’s just finally starting to look like himself.

The author said Rice is trusting his knee more and more as practice goes on. Rice didn't play in Preseason Week 1, but is schedule to play in Week 2, which could be his next hurdle.