Brock Purdy took time off from football during the bye week (aside from attending an Iowa State game). It was the first break for the San Francisco 49ers quarterback since returning to practice for training camp following his off-season surgery to repair the torn UCL in his right elbow.
"Yeah, it was good," Purdy shared with reporters on Thursday. "I feel like just not throwing and then lifting, just continuing to strengthen my arm off the field was huge."
The 49ers resumed practice on Monday, with Purdy and his teammates getting back into the swing of things, gearing up for this weekend's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"And then at practice, it's felt really good," Purdy said of his arm. "So with however many games we played in the beginning of the first half of the season, your arm, you start feeling a little sore at practice and whatnot. But come game time, you're ready to roll. So having a week off for the second stretch was huge for me with my arm."
In addition to the physical benefits, the quarterback also enjoyed a mental rejuvenation during his much-needed break in Iowa.
"To be able to step away from the game, take a breather, understand where we're at, what we have to do, was huge for me to clear my mind and then come back excited for the second half and the stretch of football that we have to play, some good football that we have to play. So I feel good."
Purdy added, "Yeah, I'm playing in the NFL for the 49ers, but I still have a good life with my fiancé and everything to come. So it was good just to be able to breathe and get my mind and my thoughts, everything together, and regroup for what's to come for the second half of the season."
After a three-game losing streak that brought them to a 5-3 record, the 49ers are determined to turn things around against the Jaguars. Purdy has complete confidence in this roster's ability to overcome adversity.
"Whenever we feel like our backs against the wall, I feel like we play some really good football," Purdy said. "We're a talented team, and once we are hungry and set our goals for something, and we want it, and we need it, yeah, I think we could do a lot. So that's where we're at."
The 49ers offense could be getting two key players back this weekend. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been sidelined with a hairline fracture in his shoulder but has been practicing this week. Tackle Trent Williams has been dealing with an ankle injury, but the 49ers are hopeful that their All-Pro offensive lineman might also be on the brink of a return. He returned to the practice field on Thursday.
"Yeah, it's huge," Purdy said regarding the potential return of these two players. "Obviously, you get the ball into Deebo's hands, and he can do some crazy stuff and help our team out big-time. So, to have Deebo back will be huge. Trent, as well. That's going to be awesome to have him and his experience, his leadership, and sort of just help out with everything—run game, pass game. That's Trent, the best of the best.
"So to have two of those guys back, and get a spark, and bring that energy to our offense, it's huge."