San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

49ers QB Brock Purdy silencing questions about health of his arm

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 7/31/23

At one point during the offseason, it was uncertain if Brock Purdy would even play for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.

But now that the team is a week into training camp, those concerns have all but dissipated as Purdy, who’s been taking the bulk of the first-team reps, appears to be on practicing without issue.

"I think he's done great,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Sunday. “He has come back. He's had no arm troubles. He's been totally healthy. I think he's getting all his timing back, his rhythm. I was really impressed with him in his two practices."

Can you detect a difference in Brock Purdy’s velocity? (I can’t). pic.twitter.com/QBWEZ25z8i
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) July 27, 2023

#49ers Brock Purdy is back — as is his connection to George Kittle pic.twitter.com/pJepJWfbHE
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) July 27, 2023

While Trey Lance and Sam Darnold are both capable starters, the 49ers have been adamant throughout the offseason the No. 1 QB job is Purdy’s whenever he’s healthy. The 49ers were 7-0 in games Purdy started and played in its entirety last season. He completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 1,943 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Purdy was cleared to practice after having offseason Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, which was damaged during the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles in January.

Practices reps the past two days:
Brock Purdy 41.6%
Trey Lance 21.8%
Sam Darnold 18.8%
Brandon Allen 17.8%pic.twitter.com/VyEpjmQlzN
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) July 28, 2023

The 49ers are being cautious as they transition Purdy back into the lineup. The plan early on is to have him participate in two practices with two off days before transitioning to one off day starting with the third week of camp, ensuring Purdy has plenty of rest time as he builds the strength back in his throwing elbow and resumes taking the starter’s reps.

Though he’s only been two practices worth of evaluation, Shanahan has seemingly been impressed with Purdy’s ability to bounce back from offseason surgery and not miss a beat.

“Brock's just so detailed and committed in everything he does, so he didn't miss one day," Shanahan added. "Every rep that he takes to get better in his health, he is just deliberate in everything he does. How committed he was to doing that, to being here, to going down to Florida, to being in Arizona. If he was going to have a setback and something went wrong was the only way we felt he wasn't going to be ahead of schedule by what he does."

More must-reads: