49ers QB Roll Call: Will Brock Purdy sit out against Raiders?

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Here’s a look at how the 49ers’ quarterbacks looked during training camp on Monday:

BROCK PURDY

Purdy’s return from elbow surgery will be put to the test this week when he faces the 49ers defense. He’ll play against the Raiders, but only in joint practices Thursday and Friday in Las Vegas, rather than in the preseason opener on Sunday.

“I doubt Brock plays (Sunday),” coach Kyle Shanahan said after a sweaty two-hour practice on Monday.

Purdy’s task following Tuesday’s send-off practice will be to excel in joint practices, which Shanahan values far more than preseason games. After all, Purdy’s stock rose during last year’s joint sessions in Minnesota, effectively securing a roster spot for the draft’s 262nd and final pick.

Purdy’s seven practices this training camp have not been easy; he has rested three times as part of his arm rehabilitation schedule.

Clelin Ferrell, who signed with the 49ers this offseason, has been rushing Purdy in practice all week, including making unwise contact with the quarterback last week. Purdy dismissed it as football in a “competing environment.” He praised what he’s seen so far from the second-year quarterback.

“Just seeing his mental toughness is something that’s really, really good, especially for a young player,” Ferrell added. “I’ve played against Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, and one thing about those guys is that they never back down from a fight.” He enjoys the competition aspect, which is great to see from a guy who is the leader of a really well-developed veteran team.”

As a high-energy rusher against All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, Ferrell frequently comes from Purdy’s blind side, and he must walk a fine line in knowing when to ease his pursuit while trying to prove his worth after four seasons with the Raiders as a 2019 first-round pick.

“Even if I don’t get to him or win in a rush,” Ferrell said. “I try to touch him every play, even if it’s just a jab in his stomach or a touch on his back… to let him know I’m right there.”

Purdy completed 9 of 18 passes on Monday, with one being intercepted by Tashaun Gipson Sr. after being tipped by linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Purdy’s best throw came when he found Jauan Jennings at the front right pylon for a touchdown against Ward, who had earlier in practice and again after that play playfully jawed with Jennings.

Purdy is expected to practice during Tuesday’s shorter session — Monday’s was two hours long. Wednesday is a day off for the players, followed by joint practices with the Raiders. Purdy used joint practices at Minnesota and the subsequent preseason game a year ago to vault past Nate Sudfeld on the depth chart, as Shanahan later revealed.

Since last year, linebacker Oren Burks has been impressed with Purdy. Burks was a member of Aaron Rodgers’ Green Bay Packers before joining the 49ers last season.

“The poise is very similar, especially coming from a young guy,” Burks said of Purdy. “It’s uncommon to see a guy come into a situation like he did last year and handle himself like a pro.”

“We’ll see how his career progresses, but I’m super proud of Brock, even just as a person,” Burks added. “He’s a wonderful human being and a joy to be around, and people feed off of that.” It’s the poise in the pocket and the way he leads the huddle.”

SAM DARNOLD

Darnold started ahead of Trey Lance in the QB2 rotation, and after nearly having a pass intercepted by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Darnold found Ray-Ray McCloud with a red-zone touchdown pass between defenders A.J. Parker and Ji’Ayir Brown.

In terms of interceptions, Darnold hasn’t thrown one in full-team drills all camp, which Shanahan initially denied before reporters insisted. Darnold came into camp determined to improve his ball security (55 interceptions in 55 career starts), and Shanahan stated that “he’s done a good job” of avoiding them in 49ers camp. Shanahan went on to say that he doesn’t evaluate practices statistically, but rather on consistency, accuracy, and pass-rush awareness.

“Half of these (passes) aren’t getting off because we’re not sacking guys out there,” Shanahan explained.

Darnold scrambled out of the pocket, rolled right, and unloaded a pass after crossing the line of scrimmage on one play, which is not included in his 5-of-8 passing line.

TREY LANCE

Lance began his three-of-seven practice with an interception, which Flannigan-Fowles made after Austin Bryant put pressure on right tackle Matt Pryor. Parker intercepted a pass intended for Jennings in the end zone, and a deep shot intended for Tay Martin was overthrown.

Lance ran twice in his limited snaps, once on a red-zone draw. The emphasis on option keepers has not been as strong as it was during Lance’s camp last year.

BRANDON ALLEN

After an earlier incompletion to Ty Davis-Price, he completed all three of his red-zone passes to running backs in the first hour of practice.

NOTES FOR PRACTICE

As contract negotiations continue, Shanahan is “not at all” concerned about Nick Bosa’s continued absence from camp.

“I just stay out of it,” said Shanahan. “It’s not much to ask… I’m not sure if Bosa has ever participated in a (full) training camp, but he’s done well in the past. Everyone wants people to come here. From a defensive standpoint, it has little impact on the team. In terms of preparation, I have as much faith in Nick as any other player I’ve seen.”

For the first time this camp, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk did not practice, opting for a well-deserved rest day.

Running back Elijah Mitchell (adductor), guard Aaron Banks (concussion), offensive tackle Jaylon Moore (knee), defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (hamstring), and defensive tackle Kalia Davis (knee) are still not practicing.

In one-on-one drills, Christian McCaffrey scored on a touchdown catch against rookie linebacker Jalen Graham. In one-on-one situations, Danny Gray had two impressive touchdown catches.

Oren Burks is still in the running to replace Azeez Al-Shaair at strong-side linebacker.

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, and it’s finally here,” Burks said. “I’m focused every day to get better, to put my best stuff on tape for coaches to evaluate.” “We have a great offense with a variety of looks that cause problems for a variety of defenses, so what better time than now to compete against the best?”