49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day

Brock Purdy opened up his first three-day practice spree with an impressive show Tuesday except for a Talanoa Hufanga interception at 49ers training camp

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Yes, Brock Purdy had a pass intercepted on Tuesday, a blunder that has plagued him throughout his remarkable comeback from elbow surgery.

What made this one unique was who snagged it on the 49ers’ practice field.

Talanoa Hufanga, who was All-Pro last season, correctly predicted where Purdy was aiming a short pass and intercepted it in stride before the ball reached tight end Troy Fumagalli.

Hufanga and Purdy share lockers and frequently review plays together in their academic pursuits.

“If he’s throwing us one, it’s helping us get better, and it’s also helping him learn,” Hufanga explained. “I was the first to pick his brain: ‘Why did I do that?'” ‘What could I have done differently?’ That’s what makes it so competitive: for him to learn from it and for me to learn from it.”

Tuesday’s lesson: Hufanta was in man coverage and jumped the route, knowing that “the clock was going off” as Purdy needed to get rid of the ball against a pass rush, to which Hufanga deferred credit for the play.

Hufanga actually bobbled the ball briefly as he raced toward the end zone for a potential touchdown, similar to his pick-six against the Los Angeles Rams last October.

Hufanga was coming off a part-time stint as a rookie and No. 3 safety a year ago.

“Last year was a big learning curve, coming from my rookie year (when) I was learning four different positions,” Hufanga explained. “Then I had to adjust to last year’s role of just being a safety, understanding my job, and letting other guys make plays.”

“As a rookie, I was overthinking a lot,” Hufanga added. “Right now, I’m just trying to grasp everything and play freely.”

Purdy started 12-of-14 on Tuesday, including a pass that appeared to ricochet off Deommodore Lenoir and into the hands of Deebo Samuel.

Purdy began practicing three consecutive days for the first time since his March elbow surgery.

“He has that chip on his shoulder to go out there and play his game,” said Hufanga. “I adore it. He commands the room and the team in this manner.”

Purdy finished his 16-of-20 practice by hitting Charlie Woerner, Samuel, Kyle Juszczyk, and Brandon Aiyuk. Purdy received solid protection on that final 29-yard throw to Aiyuk against Ambry Thomas’ coverage at the goal line, especially as Aaron Banks came over with a fierce double-team block on Clelin Ferrell.

Purdy did not complete a pass on a play that was called dead on a sack by Ferrell, Arik Armstead, and Javon Hargrave.

RACE IN BACKUP QUARTERBACK

Sam Darnold started the game as the backup quarterback, and his highlight on a 5-of-6 day was a 40-yard pass to Danny Gray, who returned from a tight hip last week.

Trey Lance finished 4-of-7, scrambled a few times, and overthrew Ronnie Bell when pressed by Robert Beal Jr.

Brandon Allen was excused from practice and will fly to Florida after Sunday’s game to give birth to his second child.

JAKE MOODY RETURNS

Rookie kicker Jake Moody made 5-of-6 field-goal attempts in practice, rebounding from his two field-goal attempts on Sunday. Moody converted from 59, 34, 56, 53, and 43 yards on Tuesday, with his only miss coming from 61 yards wide left.

FIRST IMPRESSION OF BELL

Bell, a seventh-round draft pick, admitted that his Sunday debut was marred by a fourth-quarter interception. Despite this, he had three catches, two punt returns, and three kick returns for an average of 19 yards.

“I felt at ease, which was one of my objectives.” When you turn on the film and look for assignment and alignment, I felt at ease and like I was doing the right thing. I thought I did a good job squaring up the ball and making a clean catch as a punt returner. “However, I could have done better.”

THE HEALTH CENTER

Drake Jackson and Robert Beal, the latter of whom pressured Lance on his overthrow to Bell on Tuesday’s final throw, returned to practice. Trent Williams, the left tackle, practiced despite an ankle injury. Tight end George Kittle (groin), running back Elijah Mitchell (groin), and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) all worked out on the sideline.