Observations from Charlotte 49ers football practice No. 7

Observations from Thursday practice, the 49ers' seventh of the preseason:

-- Coach Brad Lambert surprised the team by scheduling several controlled, full-sided plays at the end of practice. Contact was allowed, but no tackling.

That still meant there was plenty of hitting, and the defense probably came out on top.

The biggest hit of the day was put on receiver Austin Duke by walk-on strong safety Alex Petzke as a pass fell incomplete. Duke popped right up and patted Petzke on the head. Maybe some high school memories came back for both of them: Duke played at Independence; Petzke at Ardrey Kell.

 -- There were at least three fumbles from running backs Alan Barnwell and Kalif Phillips, both missing connections with quarterback Matt Johnson (much to the displeasure of offensive coordinator Jeff Mullen). Cornerback Terrance Winchester had an interception and 6-foot-3 defensive lineman Payton Thomson batted down a pass at the line of scrimmage.

-- There were no new injuries Thursday, although Lambert said freshman defensive end Nick Caroll has tendinitis in his Achilles. Slot receiver Emmitt Afam (hamstring) and defensive end Fletcher O'Neil (separated shoulder) didn't practice.

-- With summer school over, the practice schedule will be ratcheted up until fall classes start. The 49ers go to two-a-days Friday, then again next Monday and Wednesday. They will probably scrimmage during closed practices in the stadium the next two Saturdays, at least, Lambert said.

-- Thursday's best piece of coaching advice: "Don't watch the quarterback's eyes, they'll lie to you every time." -- Secondary coach James Adams to his DBs.