One of the biggest question marks facing the San Francisco 49ers as they prepared to open training camp this year was their situation at quarterback. General manager John Lynch made it clear that Brock Purdy was the leader in the clubhouse to be the starter, but it was anyone’s guess when Purdy would be on the field.
Mr. Irrelevant in the 2022 NFL Draft had quite a rookie season. He went from the final pick and No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart to start in the NFC Championship Game in a matter of months.
Purdy earned the starting spot going forward, seemingly beating out Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2 last season, which started the quarterback merry-go-round in San Francisco.
In the NFCCG, Purdy would suffer an elbow injury of his own, which cast doubt over this availability for the start of the 2023 season. That no longer seems to be a looming question for the 49ers, as Purdy has received the green light to get back on the field.
“Brock is cleared and ready to go,” Lynch said. “Having said that, we’re sticking and we’re adhering to a plan that’s been put in place for some time.”
Per Nick Wagoner of ESPN, the plan that is in place for Purdy is one that will limit his reps in the early going. He will have two days of throwing followed by one day off, easing his way back into things.
After throwing on Tuesday with an increased workload, Wednesday will be his day off. Purdy will then be back on the practice field on Thursday and Friday according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Those reps will come with the starters, per Shanahan.
“He will [be with the starters] when he’s out there,” Shanahan said. “The throwing plan’s a little different. We’re never going to have him go three days in a row.”
With Purdy back and ready to go, that means Trey Lance and Sam Darnold will now be battling it out for the No. 2 job behind him. With Brandon Allen also in camp, Shanahan and the coaching staff will have a difficult juggling act to pull off, finding reps for all of the players on days that Purdy is able to practice.
