Brock Purdy concern emerges after San Francisco 49ers confirmed QB decision

12 August 2023 , 13:48

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Trey Lance will hope to push Brock Purdy for the starting job, but it appears that the decision might have already been made

Brock Purdy is now the franchise quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, and will start in week one of the regular season.

Since returning from his elbow surgery, head coach Kyle Shanahan has been speaking positively of what he has seen from him in practice. However, multiple reports have suggested that the second-year pro has actually struggled in practice.

On Friday, Purdy threw three interceptions early in the session, with Lance reportedly performing better than the projected starter.

The Niners spent three first-round picks on Lance, who started just one game last season before being ruled out for the season. Now, he looks to have lost that role with Purdy impressing towards the end of the season and winning the job.

Purdy, 23, took his opportunity last season when he was the third choice, filling in for 2021 third overall NFL Draft pick Lance, who picked up a campaign-ending ankle injury, before Jimmy Garoppolo suffered the same fate.

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Purdy then won seven straight games, before being ruled out of the NFC Championship game with a serious injury himself - having to undergo elbow surgery.

However, the 49ers will have three starting calibre quarterbacks on the roster in Purdy, Trey Lance and Sam Darnold - all will be competing for the spot should Purdy struggle, as he reportedly has in practice.

But while Purdy has been reported as throwing multiple interceptions on certain days, it has been suggested that Lance and Darnold have had huge struggles themselves - with the defense largely dominating against the offense in practice.

Brock Purdy reportedly threw three interceptions in practice on Friday

The pre-season could be hugely important for Lance, who is set to start in the game with Sam Darnold as back-up - resting Purdy until the regular season.

With him unlikely to get the chance to start in San Francisco, a strong training camp could see him become a trade target, with teams such as the Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all in need of a franchise quarterback.

Niners superstar running back has spoken positively on Lance and Darnold on what he's seen in camp, stating: "I didn't get to play with Trey last year, but from what I've seen so far, Trey has been great. He's been awesome. And obviously, I've played with Sam, and I know what Sam can do, and seeing all the things that he's been doing this OTAs, too. I think, for us, it's nice knowing that we have three great options.

"I don't know who the quarterback is going to be. And frankly, my job is just to be as ready to go as I can for whoever it is. But I just know that we're in good hands no matter what. And I pray to God I don't have to play quarterback again."

Charlie Wilson