49ers quarterback Brock Purdy isn't expected to play in the team's preseason opener on Sunday against the Raiders.
49ers head coach Shanahan said Monday that Purdy will participate in the team's joint practices with the Raiders this week and will likely be held out of the game along with most of the team's starters.
"I doubt Brock plays," Shanahan said at his press conference. "We haven't fully decided it yet. Usually, when we go scrimmage against guys, I rarely play our starters. That's usually my plan going into it. I put more into the practices than the games. But I've changed my mind a couple of times, too, based off of those practices. Usually, that's the plan. But we'll see how those practices go."
When asked if Purdy will take the field at all in the preseason, Shanahan wouldn't committ one way or the other.
“I think it’s always good to play. I don’t think he has to. A lot of guys don’t have to, but it usually helps.”
The 49ers have some decisions to make at the quarterback spot behind Purdy as Trey Lance, Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen have all been battling for the backup job in camp. All three will get action on Sunday.
