With Brandon Boykin limited in Wednesday's practice, rookie seventh-round pick Jordan Poyer got the opportunity to work in as the slot cornerback in practice.
Boykin suffered a shoulder contusion on Sunday. He said after practice that the rest was "just a precaution." Head coach Chip Kelly expects Boykin to be full-go on Thursday.
Nonetheless, Poyer lined up across from veteran slot receiver Jason Avant in Wednesday's practice.
"When you get a chance to go up against someone great like that, you might as well take advantage," Poyer said.
Avant showed Poyer some tricks of the trade including what receivers will do in certain situations. Poyer considers the slot position a "natural" one for him because he played it at Oregon State. In fact, Poyer was an All-America selection last year after finishing tied for second in the nation with seven interceptions working primarily on the inside.
The one adjustment from college to the NFL that Poyer continues to work on is the rules regarding contact with receivers. At Oregon State, Poyer could put his hands on a receiver all the way down the field. In the NFL, it's hands off after 5 yards.
"It's an offensive game," Poyer said.
Poyer has played in three of the first four games on special teams. While Boykin is expected to be ready for Sunday's showdown with the New York Giants, Poyer hones his craft on the practice field preparing just in case he is needed.
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