How 49ers QB Purdy fared in first preseason action vs. Broncos

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers gave starting quarterback Brock Purdy a soft opening Saturday night in the team's second preseason game. And Purdy looked strikingly similar to the same person who became one of the big stories of the NFL season a year ago. Purdy played nine snaps in the 49ers' preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium. He led the team 68 yards down the field before the game-opening drive stalled. Rookie kicker Jake Moody managed to get points out of the possession with a 20-yard field goal. Purdy completed four of five passing attempts for 65 yards. His passer rating was 118.8. He was sacked once for minus-8 yards and also scrambled for an 8-yard gain on a third-and-10 play. It was Purdy's first game action since the NFC Championship Game in which he sustained a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow while getting sacked by Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Haason Reddick. Purdy underwent surgery to repair the torn ligament on March 10. He began his throwing program on May 29. Purdy's physical therapy went smoothly, and he was cleared to practice upon reporting to training camp in late-July. He already has seen far more action during...