San Francisco 49ers sophomore quarterback Brock Purdy took part in training camp practice on Thursday, the first time he’s been on the field as a full-go since the Iowa State product underwent elbow surgery back on March 10.
Purdy didn’t show any real lingering effects from the UCL surgery despite completing just 3-of-10 passes. He overthrew two long heaves, a clear indication that Purdy’s elbow is just fine. Drops also impacted Purdy throughout his first practice session in Santa Clara Thursday afternoon.
According to those on hand, Purdy did throw an interception into the hands of veteran safety Tashaun Gipson, which would have been returned for a pick-six in a normal game atmosphere. Here’s a look at him on the practice field.
“Brock’s been great on his rehab. He’s been as obsessed about it as you can be. That’s why he’s ahead of schedule,” San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said back in June.
Coined Mr. Irrelevant as the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy far exceeded expectations as a rookie for the 49ers. He won all five of his regular season starts after replacing an injured Jimmy Garoppolo in December. Purdy then went on to help San Francisco to two playoff wins before suffering the aforementioned elbow injury early in the 49ers’ NFC Championship Game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Brock Purdy stats (2022): 67% completion, 1,374 yards, 13 TD, 4 INT, 107.3 QB rating
Things continue to be trending in the direction of Purdy being San Francisco’s Week 1 starter against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 10.
Though, it also must be noted that young quarterback Trey Lance was also on the practice field Thursday after suffering an ankle injury early in San Francisco’s Week 2 outing against the Seattle Seahawks last season. He’ll have a chance to prove himself moving forward during 49ers training camp and the preseason.