49ers training camp: Purdy-to-Deebo connection shines amid Aiyuk’s absence

On Thursday, the San Francisco 49ers held their 16th training camp practice. The team is preparing for Sunday's exhibition game against the New Orleans Saints, the 49ers' only home game this preseason.

Here are some highlights from the 10:25 a.m. PT practice at the SAP Performance Facility, compiled from various sources.

Noteworthy non-participants

• WR Brandon Aiyuk (hold-in)
• OL Ben Bartch
• OL Spencer Burford (hand)
• DT Kalia Davis (knee)
• OL Jon Feliciano (knee irritation)
• RB Isaac Guerendo (hamstring)
• RB Christian McCaffrey (calf)
• RB Elijah Mitchell (hamstring)
• WR Ricky Pearsall (shoulder)
• RB Patrick Taylor Jr.
• CB Ambry Thomas (forearm)
• P Mitch Wishnowsky (knee)
• CB Isaac Yiadom (ankle)

Unavailable players

• LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles)
• S Talanoa Hufanga (knee)
• DE Drake Jackson (knee, season-ending)

• OL Pat Elflein (calf)
• WR Frank Darby (hamstring, cleared waivers)

• T Trent Williams (hold out)

The 49ers removed defensive end Austin Bryant and wide receiver Terique Owens from the injured reserve list with injury settlements. Owens had reverted to the 49ers after clearing waivers.

Quick notes

Tight end Brayden Willis returned to practice.

Quarterback Brock Purdy delivered a performance that might make wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk reconsider his future, saying, "Maybe staying with the 49ers would be best." The third-year quarterback shined on the field.

Matt Barrows of The Athletic reported that Purdy was 21-of-25 on throws during practice. Brandon Allen went 10-of-14, Josh Dobbs completed 7-of-9 with one interception, and Tanner Mordecai finished 1-of-3 with two interceptions.

The three defenders who recorded interceptions were defensive backs Darrell Luter Jr., Chase Lucas, and Tracy Walker.

Nick Wagoner of ESPN noted that Purdy completed all eight of his opening passes during team drills, distributing the ball to targets like tight end George Kittle and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings. Purdy and Samuel connected multiple times, including a touchdown pass, avoiding tight coverage from cornerback Deommodore Lenoir.

Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reported that Samuel caught seven passes from Purdy, adding, "His (Samuel's) connection with quarterback Brock Purdy was the best it has looked at any point in this training camp."

Samuel also worked on rushing the football, both on sweeps and between the tackles.

Aiyuk, by the way, observed practice for the second consecutive day. He chatted with several teammates during the session but appeared less invested compared to Wednesday.

Tight end George Kittle continued his impressive week on the practice field, with Maiocco highlighting one reception as the play of the day.

"Kittle ran a rare deep pattern down the left sideline," Maiocco wrote. "Purdy put it up for him, 30-plus yards down the field, and Kittle made the grab with defenders Renardo Green, [George] Odum and [Ji'Ayir] Brown in pursuit."

Running back Jordan Mason demonstrated that his offseason work with his JUGS machine is paying off. He hauled in a couple of passes from Purdy, including an impressive catch on a ball that was high and behind him.

"Mason adjusted in air, turned his body and caught it it while still getting his momentum going forward," wrote Wagoner.

Mason may be solidifying himself as the frontrunner for the RB2 job behind Christian McCaffrey.

Wide receiver Jacob Cowing made multiple receptions and delivered a key block on Lenoir, allowing Mason to run for a significant gain, earning praise from his teammates.

Tight end Jake Tonges has also earned recognition, with Wagoner noting, "Tonges is sure-handed, a solid blocker and unafraid to do whatever is asked of him. I had him down for five catches today, including a tough one on the goal line in red zone with LB Jalen Graham all over him."

Defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Javon Hargrave generated a lot of pressure and consistently disrupted the offensive backfield. Jordan Elliott was effective against the run, while linebacker Dee Winters nearly intercepted a pass from Allen.

Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated commented on Dee Winters: "Winters might not always know what he's doing, but he's extremely fast and disruptive."

Cohn also reported that cornerback Renardo Green allowed four catches while playing in the nickel spot with the first-team defense.

Linebacker Fred Warner delivered a would-be tackle for loss on running back Cody Schrader.

Kicker Jake Moody converted three of his four field goal attempts, making kicks from 33, 38, and 48 yards. His only miss was from 43 yards.

Injury updates

Offensive lineman Spencer Burford and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall were spotted working out on the side, with Pearsall appearing close to a return.

Running back Christian McCaffrey was also seen engaging in a more intensive workout. If the 49ers were preparing for a regular-season game, he would likely be ready to play.

Next practice

Friday, August 16 at 10:25 a.m. PT
SAP Performance Facility, Santa Clara, CA

Videos

None of the following videos are from team drills, as the media must stop recording once team drills begin.