Anthony Davis returns to S.F. after letting ‘brain and body’ heal
Thirteen months after he left the NFL to let his “brain and body” heal, it’s obvious 49ers right tackle Anthony Davis did some serious work on his physique.
Davis said he has dropped more than 30 pounds since playing in 2014 at around 365, and his teammates noted his transformation after the first practice of training camp.
“Physically, he looks phenomenal,” quarterback Colin Kaepernick said.
“I’m excited he’s back on the football team,” Staley said.
Both Davis and general manager Trent Baalke termed their relationship “special,” and each also acknowledged it hasn’t been without volatility (“We get into it sometimes,” Davis said).
Davis also implored the 49ers to draft a right tackle with their No. 7 overall pick and he hinted Sunday that he was trying to force the team to trade him.
Baalke, who has been a staunch supporter of Davis since the GM traded up two spots to select him with the No. 11 pick in 2010, said all is forgiven.
No-nonsense head coach Chip Kelly has little tolerance for players who create distractions, but says he’s keeping an open mind regarding Davis.
Kelly and Davis spoke briefly on the phone in February before having their first sit-down conversation Saturday.
“I told him he’s got a blank slate, just like every other player and just like every other coach here,” Kelly said.
On Sunday, he said he didn’t know how much longer he wanted to play, and questions could persist about his commitment.