SANTA CLARA -– Anquan Boldin took a swipe at cornerback Darryl Morris.
And the fired-up 49ers’ defense punched back with Dontae Johnson’s interception to cap a highly-spirited and ultra-competitive practice Friday evening.
Boldin caught a short pass McLeod Bethel-Thompson with Morris in tight coverage. Boldin and Morris got into it, with Boldin delivering a blow to Morris’ facemask. Coach Jim Harbaugh rushed to the scene, and immediately held Boldin accountable for the tussle.
Harbaugh ordered Boldin off the field.
Boldin, one of the most-respected veterans on the team, angrily made the long walk back to the team’s locker room.
Two plays later, Johnson made the interception of a Bethel-Thompson pass intended for Devon Wylie as the entire 49ers’ defense erupted into celebration to conclude the spirited two-hour practice session.
In other highlights, notes and observations:
--Nose tackle Glenn Dorsey sustained an injury to his left arm early in practice. The team’s training staff worked with Dorsey on flexing his arm, possibly examining his biceps. There is no preliminary word on Dorsey’s condition, but he returned to the practice field in sweats to watch the conclusion of practice.
--Tight end Derek Carrier, who appears to have a good handle on the No. 3 job, caught four passes in 11-on-11 drills.
--Throwing into the wind, Colin Kaepernick connected with Chuck Jacobs on a pass 40 yards down the field between cornerback Chris Cook and safety Antoine Bethea.
--Tight end Vernon Davis, who was limited in practice Friday after having difficulty loosening up, made a tough catch from Josh Johnson along the sideline with Jimmie Ward, Chris Borland and Cook in coverage.
--Running back Jewel Hampton and linebacker Chase Thomas also got into a brief dust-up that got Harbaugh’s attention. Neither player was sent off the field.
--Linebacker Aldon Smith had another strong day with at least two would-be sacks during 11-on-11 drills.
--Linebacker Michael Wilhoite had an impressive day in coverage against tight end Vance McDonald with three passes broken up.
--The 49ers have a day off scheduled for Saturday. The club will return to practice Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Participation report
Daily transactions: None.
Returned to practice: None.
Did not practice: WR Michael Crabtree (leg), WR Brandon Lloyd (leg), DL Demarcus Dobbs (NA), RB LaMichael James (dislocated elbow), LB Nick Moody (NA), RB Kendall Hunter (torn right ACL), CB Tramaine Brock (ankle), CB Chris Culliver (leg), DL Justin Smith (offseason shoulder surgery), DL Ray McDonald (leg), RT Anthony Davis (offseason shoulder surgery).
Physically unable to perform: LB NaVorro Bowman (knee), NT Ian Williams (lower leg), TE Garrett Celek (back), DL Kaleb Ramsey (NA).
Non-football injury: RB Marcus Lattimore (knee/hamstring), FB Trey Millard (knee), CB Keith Reaser (knee) and G Brandon Thomas (knee).
Reserve/did not report: RG Alex Boone (contract holdout).
