49ers general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan met with the media on Tuesday as the team begins training camp and preparation for the new season. Among the updates was a positive one on quarterback Brock Purdy, who came out of nowhere to lead San Francisco to an NFC Championship berth last season.
After surgery to repair a ligament in his elbow, Purdy has been fully cleared to throw and will not be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list for training camp. He is expected to contest for the starting quarterback job with former No. 3 pick Trey Lance, who was long seen as the team’s franchise quarterback in waiting following the departure of Jimmy Garoppolo.
Lance’s season ended in September after a broken ankle, ultimately leading to Purdy’s rise and success under center. But, there is plenty of uncertainty around who the team’s starter will be heading into the season.
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Purdy, who began the season as the third-string quarterback, ascended to the top of the depth chart after injuries to Lance and Garoppolo. With low expectations for the former Mr. Irrelevant pick in 2022, the rookie took the reigns of the offense and looked every bit like an NFL starter. He injured his elbow in the NFC Championship loss to the Eagles.
Purdy threw for 1,374 yards with 13 touchdowns to four interceptions last season, completing 67.1% of his passes. Lance threw for 194 yards and an interception, completing 48.4% of his passes in his two starts before his injury.
