Why Laken Tomlinson was fired up over 49ers 2020 season schedule release

Share

Laken Tomlinson is hunkered down at home these days, staying safe during this ongoing public health crisis. He’s training there and going through the 49ers virtual offseason program in a bit of a groundhog day scenario while preparing for the 2020 season.

Something new happened Thursday that lifted his spirits.

The 49ers' schedule came out.

The standout 49ers left guard got fired up over its release, especially as a sign of things eventually returning to normal.

“When I first saw the schedule I was kind of relieved,” Tomlinson said Friday in a videoconference with local reporters. “With the times we’re in right now, everything has slowed down with the coronavirus not allowing us to work together. Just seeing this schedule being released made release how much I can’t wait to get back to football.

“That was my initial response to seeing the schedule, with all the road trips and the bye week and the primetime games. That’s the kind of feeling it gave me.”

[49ERS INSIDER PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode]

San Francisco 49ers

Find the latest San Francisco 49ers news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.

Ochocinco issues Deebo ominous warning after 49ers trade request

Top five trade fits for Deebo as 49ers look to deal star WR

It gave 49ers fans similar feelings during an unusual downtime that has prevented normal offseason work. The NFL has proceeded with free agency and the NFL draft on schedule, hoping to do the same with the 2020 season but it's unknown if the season will start on time. They have contingency plans built into the schedule, but everyone involved has fingers crossed it will go on as planned.

That’s why Tomlinson’s pushing hard during this time to get better all around.

“I have a home gym at my house, so I’ve been doing my workouts here,” he said. “We’re still doing virtual meetings with the coaches and I think it’s also important to spend more time in the classroom and really dissect some things on the tape. We have been getting some really good feedback on that. That has been the tempo here."

[RELATED: Shanahan reveals what he focuses on when judging 49ers' schedule]

While there will be changes along the offensive line with Trent Williams coming in trade after Joe Staley’s retirement and a new right guard joining the front, Tomlinson believes overall continuity is key to making progress while apart.

"I would say that, especially this year [continuity] means a lot, because right now we can’t be together working on the field or anything like that,” Tomlinson said. “Everything, for the most part, has been virtual and it’s important for us to have continuity right now. Having everything the same for the veterans and the guys who have been around on offense, defense and special teams, all those installs are going to be the same or mostly the same.

“Coaches can really focus on the rookies coming in and making sure they’re on the same page. The veterans can help with the learning process in that sense. Having the majority of the team coming back, I think, is going to be a winning edge for us in this phase.”

Contact Us