49ers quarterback update: Brock Purdy now throwing three times a week
SANTA CLARA — Brock Purdy has ramped up his throwing program and is now throwing three times a week, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said on Tuesday.
“Brock’s been great on his rehab,” Shanahan said after the first day of the 49ers’ mandatory minicamp. “He’s as obsessive about it as you can be. That’s why he’s ahead of schedule.”
There’s been a steady flow of positive news regarding Purdy since the sophomore quarterback underwent surgery on March 10 to repair an ulnar collateral ligament injury in his throwing elbow.
Purdy did not throw on the field during minicamp on Tuesday, but was seen on the sidelines and has been an active participant in meetings.
Shanahan said he hasn’t directly watched Purdy participate in his throwing program, but said he has a set schedule of when he throws, how many times he throws and how far he throws.
“It’s part of his process of getting back and he’s continuing right on the track he’s always been on,” Shanahan said. “No setbacks and it’s been very good so far.”
After minicamp wraps up on Thursday and players are released until training camp begins in July, Purdy will continue rehabbing at the team’s facilities.
The 49ers remain hopeful he’ll be ready for Week 1 in Pittsburgh on Sept. 10.
Meanwhile, Trey Lance and Sam Darnold are battling it out alongside Brandon Allen to be the presumed backup to Purdy.
Tight end George Kittle said he’s noticed big differences in the way Lance is carrying himself on the field.
“I’m not going to lie to you guys, I think Trey looks significantly better than he did last year, I really do,” Kittle said. “I think his confidence is there. I think he’s throwing really good passes… Just watching, he looks so much more comfortable and confident in the pocket. I really appreciate that from him, seeing all the work he’s put into it.”
Kittle said all the quarterbacks are playing well and gave credit to Darnold for making adjustments to get rid of the ball quicker in the two weeks he’s been participating in offseason team activities.
But Kittle seemed particularly excited about Lance, the third-year quarterback who was celebrating even short completions with teammates during minicamp on Tuesday.
“I think all our quarterbacks are playing well, I think Trey just looks comfortable back there,” Kittle said. “He just looks like he’s having fun. And I really appreciate that from him. When he’s out there having a good time, it definitely brings up everyone around him.
“When guys are lacking confidence, you can tell. I haven’t seen that from him at all this year. He has this energy to him, passion to him. You can see it, he has a smile on his face, he’s celebrating with the guys, he’s having fun out there and it makes everything easier.”