SANTA CLARA — The 49ers gave practice a scrimmage-like feel on Thursday, as they wrapped up the session with an 11-on-11 move-the-ball period, giving their quarterbacks chances to drive 75 yards for a touchdown, instead of the situational team periods we’ve seen throughout the most of camp.
For the first time, quarterback Brandon Allen didn’t receive any 11-on-11 reps, as Brock Purdy continued to captain the No. 1 squad, and Trey Lance and Sam Darnold split second-team snaps. Neither Purdy, Lance nor Darnold could get the Niners into the end zone Thursday.
Purdy’s unit got stonewalled after gaining two first downs, but he had an animated conversation with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk on the sideline afterwards. In all likelihood, Purdy was trying to go over the deep misses he had to his pair of marquee wide receivers on the drive. Purdy had Deebo’s full attention. He might be just a second-year quarterback, but there’s no doubt this is his team.
We were expecting Purdy to take a second consecutive rest day as he continues to rehab from offseason elbow surgery, but coach Kyle Shanahan clarified the QB’s workload going forward.
“He had (Wednesday) off, we don't want to go two in a row,” Shanahan said. “So, he went today, he'll go tomorrow. Then he gets the third practice off. So, it's part of the whole plan. That's why we have these three days.”
Purdy’s best throws came in an 11-on-11 situational period, when he delivered a sizzling ball to Aiyuk on a deep post route and another missile to Jauan Jennings on a deep cross.
No quarterback had an amazing afternoon, but it's safe to say Lance had the worst day of the three. During the move-the-ball session, Lance telegraphed an interception to rookie linebacker Dee Winters, before going 3-and-out on the ensuing possession.
Darnold got the Niners into the red zone with three first downs, but eventually the drive fizzled out as he overthrew rookie right end Brayden Willis to kill the series.
As for Allen, Shanahan said we shouldn’t read too much into the QB4 being shut out of 11-on-11 action, as it was a lighter work day before Friday’s more intense session.
“We always do that on the first day off after an off day, so just not a lot of reps,” Shanahan said. “And there's three out there and there weren't enough reps for four on this day.”
Both the offense and defense were a bit short-handed on Thursday. Running backs Christian McCaffrey (rest) and Elijah Mitchell (adductor strain), along with left tackle Trent Williams (rest), left guard Aaron Banks (concussion) and tight end George Kittle (rest) were unavailable.
Likewise, the defense was without defensive end Nick Bosa (contract holdout), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (rest), cornerback Mooney Ward (adductor strain) and safety Tashaun Gipson (unknown).
Training camp practice results aren't worth much weight, but we've yet to see the offense pop off so far in camp.
