Brock Purdy isn't known for his rushing ability. Through three games of the 2026 season, however, Purdy has shown that his legs can be more than a last resort when a play breaks down.
Purdy has rushed 10 times for 93 yards with one touchdown. Plus, eight of his 10 attempts have resulted in first downs. For a quarterback who is primarily asked to win with his arm, that gives opposing defenses another element to account for.
Purdy is Running When the Opportunity is There
Purdy's rushing production has not come from the 49ers suddenly turning him into a designed-run quarterback. Instead, much of his success has come when he recognizes that the defense has taken away his options as a passer and there is room to run.
The distinction is important. The 49ers are not asking Purdy to abandon his progressions and immediately look to run. They want him to operate as a quarterback first and use his legs when the defense gives him an opportunity. That makes his mobility an extension of the passing game rather than a replacement for it.
The Numbers Have Taken Another Step
Purdy's rushing production has steadily increased throughout his career.
He rushed for 13 yards as a rookie in 2022, followed by 144 yards in 2023, 323 yards in 2024 and 147 yards in only nine games in 2025. His 2025 average was 4.4 yards per carry.
Through three games this season, he is averaging 9.3 yards per carry. That number is unlikely to remain that high over a full season, particularly with one 35-yard run accounting for more than a third of his production. Still, the efficiency is not entirely dependent on that one play.
Purdy has recorded at least one rushing first down in every game this season. He had four against the Rams, three against Miami and one against Arizona.
His 30-yard rushing performance against the Dolphins came alongside one of the most efficient passing games of his career. Purdy completed 20 of 22 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns while adding a 2-yard rushing touchdown. Against Arizona, he added 34 yards on just two carries.
One Play Showed What Purdy Can Add
Late in the fourth quarter against Arizona, the 49ers needed to keep their drive alive after the Cardinals had cut their lead to 29-27.
On second-and-13 from the Arizona 45-yard line, Purdy scrambled to his left and raced toward the end zone. A holding penalty on tight end George Kittle ultimately wiped out what would have been a 45-yard touchdown, but Purdy was still credited with a 35-yard rushing attempt. The touchdown did not count, but the play demonstrated the value of Purdy's mobility.
Arizona had an opportunity to stop the 49ers after a 3-yard loss by Christian McCaffrey. Instead, Purdy found an opening and turned a potentially stalled drive into a 35-yard gain. Two plays later, Purdy found Kittle for a 20-yard touchdown, Kittle's second score of the game.
This was an example of how a defense can cover the intended receivers and force Purdy away from his initial reads, only for Purdy to turn a broken play into a first down with his legs.
Another Problem for Defenses
The 49ers' dominant offense already gives opposing defenses plenty to consider. McCaffrey is always a dangerous running threat, Kittle is an excellent blocker and pass catcher and San Francisco has many other weapons capable of making plays. Now defenses also have to account for the possibility that Purdy can escape the pocket and pick up significant yardage.
If defenders stay with their assignments in coverage, Purdy may have room to run. If a defender leaves his man to account for Purdy, a receiver could find open space. That does not mean defenses will suddenly dedicate a defender to spying Purdy every week.
But Purdy does not need to become a high-volume rushing quarterback for his mobility to matter. If he can consistently turn broken plays into first downs, defenses have to account for that possibility when deciding how aggressively to defend the passing game.
Purdy's Mobility Adds to an Already Productive Offense
The most encouraging part for San Francisco is that Purdy's rushing ability is developing alongside an efficient passing game.
Through three games, he has completed 60 of 83 passes for 789 yards, nine touchdowns and only one interception. Additionally, he has yet to be sacked.
The 49ers are already producing explosive plays through the air while protecting their quarterback. Now, there is another variable for defenses to consider.
Purdy can work through his progressions, recognize that the defense has taken away his passing options and take off. He can extend a play long enough for a receiver to become open, or he can simply take the yards the defense gives him.
Purdy does not have to become one of the NFL's premier rushing quarterbacks. He just has to make defenses pay when they forget about his legs. Through three games, he has already shown that he can do just that.
More info on: George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy
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