All signs point toward 49ers’ Brock Purdy starting vs. Broncos

It sure looks like Brock Purdy will start tonight's preseason game against the Denver Broncos, giving fans their first good look at the San Francisco 49ers quarterback since the NFC Championship Game when he suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow.

Purdy is suited up ahead of kickoff and warmed up with the starters.

Purdy underwent surgery on his arm on March 10. The 49ers cleared him to practice at the start of training camp on July 25. The quarterback participated in three consecutive practices this week, a first since the injury. That and his participation tonight are strong indications that Purdy will be ready for Week 1, as expected.

Purdy was recently asked about his goals for the upcoming season, his second in the NFL.

"I feel like just being able to take the next step in situational football," Purdy responded. "Obviously, I showed that I can go in and manage the offense and put a drive together, put up points on the board, win games. And so for myself, it's how can I be the best in certain situations of football? Going back to last year, watching some moments where it's like, Hey, man, you got to clean this up. You got to be smart and get the ball to the right guys, on time, check the ball down, throw the ball away, and grow in those kinds of areas.

"And so I feel like that's the next step for me. But at the same time, how can we win games, do it consistently, and push this offense and team to be the best versions of ourselves? And if we can do that, the sky's the limit."

Sam Darnold is expected to enter the game after Purdy. Trey Lance will likely get some playing time after that.