49ers QB Purdy one of six team captains for 2023 season

SANTA CLARA — 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy takes the field Sunday for his first Week 1 start in the NFL. He also will hold the title of being a 49ers team captain after just eight starts at the end of his rookie season. "He's our captain," 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk said of Purdy. "He's our leader. He's the quarterback of this team." Purdy, 23, is the youngest of the six players chosen as captains, coach Kyle Shanahan announced on Wednesday. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is a first-time captain. Tight end George Kittle, left tackle Trent Williams, defensive lineman Arik Armstead and linebacker Fred Warner were again named to their leadership roles. Purdy won over the locker room last season after moving up from No. 3 on the depth chart to lead the 49ers deep into the postseason. The only question entering this offseason was whether Purdy would be healthy enough to open the season as the starter. After significant elbow surgery, he was cleared for the first day of training camp. Purdy proved himself worthy of a leadership role last season, Shanahan said. "Guys can think you're a leader," he said. "You can act like a leader. But guys don't follow many people who don't produce...