SANTA CLARA, Calif. — On a day of practice featuring Candlestick-caliber winds, the San Francisco 49ers offense kept the passes short Sunday. A notable exception was a long pass from Alex Smith to Josh Morgan, who made a terrific one-handed catch.

Morgan, a second-year player, hauled in the ball despite tight coverage from free safety Dashon Goldson.
It’s the type of catch the 49ers hope to see often. They haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Terrell Owens ran his last out pattern in 2003.
The team needs a No. 1 receiver.
Is Morgan ready to be the guy?
“Does he have potential? Absolutely,” Coach Mike Singletary said. “But a guy like Isaac Bruce isn’t around for a long time for nothing. He knows what he’s doing.”
Bruce, 36, led the team with 835 receiving yards last year. Morgan, limited to 12 games because of a groin injury, had 319 yards in 20 catches. All three of his touchdowns went for at least 30 yards.
“We have a lot of confidence in him,” Singletary said. “It’s just a matter of Josh continuing to get better.”
—Smith started with the No. 1 offense a day after Shaun Hill opened with the starters. It appears the 49ers will handle the quarterback derby much as they did a year ago, giving each contender an extended opportunity with the No. 1 unit.
Singletary indicated that not much importance will be put on these early practices in terms of the Smith vs. Hill debate. Those two, as well as the rest of the players, are still navigating a new offense.
“It is difficult to evaluate the quarterback when so many other things are wrong,” Singletary said.
—Fullback Moran Norris was excused for the first two days of practice for undisclosed personal reasons but arrived Sunday just as the action was winding down. The 49ers expect him to participate in the two practices today.
Linebacker Parys Haralson (hip flexor strain) and cornerback Tarell Brown (sprained right toe) sat out practice. Their status is listed as day to day.
Ahmad Brooks took over Haralson’s spot and Dre’ Bly was the starting right cornerback.
—Quarterback Nate Davis lofted a beauty of a pass over the middle toward the outstretched arms of fellow rookie Bear Pascoe. The tight end dived, got his fingers on the ball but just missed coming down with the play of the day.
—There was no news on No. 10 draft pick Michael Crabtree, whose contract impasse has kept him out of camp.