San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is set to start training camp without any restrictions, according to general manager John Lynch. Purdy, who suffered an elbow injury in the NFC Championship last season, has been cleared and is ready to go. However, he won’t practice on the first day and will have scheduled pitch count time off. Head coach Kyle Shanahan also mentioned that Purdy won’t throw three days in a row to ensure his recovery.
Meanwhile, 49ers defensive lineman Nick Bosa is not expected to report to training camp as negotiations for a contract extension continue. Shanahan stated that Bosa won’t practice without a contract extension in place.
The main concern surrounding Purdy’s return is whether the offensive line can protect him throughout the season. Since Shanahan and Lynch took over in 2017, only Jimmy Garoppolo in 2019 has been able to start every game as the San Francisco quarterback. Purdy’s elbow injury in the NFC Championship was not his only issue last season, as he also suffered an injured oblique that nearly cost him a start in Seattle.
The 49ers have made improvements to their offensive line, with three regular starters from last season expected to perform even better this year. Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, and Spencer Burford all gained valuable experience last season and should contribute significantly. Additionally, Colton McKivitz, who will start at right tackle this year, is expected to provide solid pass protection. The team has confidence that the offensive line will be able to keep Purdy healthy throughout the season.
While Purdy is the headliner at the start of training camp, the focus will soon shift to fellow quarterback Trey Lance. The former first-round pick will have the opportunity to showcase his footwork, timing, and accuracy as he runs Shanahan’s offense. A strong performance from Lance could potentially increase his trade value, especially considering Shanahan’s confidence in backups Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen. The decision to trade Lance will depend on his performance during training camp and the team’s evaluation of their quarterback depth.
Looking back at Purdy’s injury, he suffered a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow during the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the injury, Purdy returned to the game in the third quarter but was limited in his passing ability. He underwent successful surgery on March 10 to repair the ligament.
In his rookie season, Purdy showed promise, throwing for 1,943 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions in the regular season and postseason combined. However, injuries forced the 49ers to use four quarterbacks throughout the 2022 season.
In conclusion, Brock Purdy is set to start training camp without any restrictions after recovering from his elbow injury. The San Francisco 49ers are hopeful that their improved offensive line will be able to protect Purdy and keep him healthy throughout the season. The focus will soon shift to Trey Lance, who will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially increase his trade value. The team is also negotiating a contract extension with Nick Bosa and expects him to report to training camp once the deal is finalized. Overall, the 49ers are optimistic about their quarterback situation heading into the new season.