Today Breaking: 49ers’ Star QB’s Incredible Comeback Journey – Will He Shock Fans in Season Opener?” Brock Purdy Nears Starting Lineup Return for 49ers’ Season Opener After Recovery Progress
San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Brock Purdy is making significant strides towards securing his starting role in the team’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 10th, following a successful recovery from offseason elbow surgery.
Coach Kyle Shanahan provided an update during his recent conference call, revealing that Purdy has been granted clearance to participate in three consecutive practice sessions without scheduled off-days. This development marks a crucial advancement in Purdy’s rehabilitation process.
While Purdy did not take the field during the team’s preseason loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Shanahan expressed optimism that he might see action in one of the last two preseason games. The 49ers are set to face the Denver Broncos on Saturday.
The upcoming game will hold special significance as it will mark Purdy’s return to live gameplay since he suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow during the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 29th. Following a brief delay due to swelling, Purdy underwent corrective surgery on March 10th. Subsequently, he underwent a carefully monitored recovery and gradually regained his throwing abilities. He reentered practice on July 25th.
General manager John Lynch previously mentioned that while Purdy’s practice wouldn’t be subject to strict limitations, he would adhere to a plan involving practicing on a two-out-of-three-day schedule. Shanahan expressed the hope that Purdy would shed the prescribed off-day routine within two weeks. The current week represents a short period beyond that milestone.
Throughout the training camp, Purdy has consistently taken first-team snaps during practice days. The team management, since the March league meetings, has remained steadfast in their commitment to having Purdy as the starter, provided he returns to full health. Purdy himself has voiced his confidence in his arm’s condition, stating that he is focused on strengthening and gradually regaining his form.
In other injury updates, tight end George Kittle, dealing with an adductor issue, is unlikely to return this week but is anticipated to rejoin the team next week. The 49ers are looking forward to the return of defensive ends Drake Jackson and Robert Beal Jr., defensive tackle Kalia Davis, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, receiver Danny Gray, and running back Elijah Mitchell to practice this week.
However, safety George Odum (shoulder), linebacker Oren Burks (knee), and receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (wrist) are not expected to feature in the preseason games. Shanahan remains hopeful that Odum and Burks will recover in time for Week 1, and while the outlook is less optimistic for McCloud, he remains determined to prove his readiness.
Shanahan concluded, “Ray-Ray’s situation might be the trickiest, but as he keeps telling me, never count him out.”