Brock Purdy calls throwing to Mike Evans ‘surreal’ as 49ers begin Training Camp

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy entered training camp focused on football, but his first media session of the season also centered around the absence of head coach Kyle Shanahan following his recent car accident.

Purdy revealed that while he and Shanahan have stayed in touch, football has taken a back seat.

“I shot him a text after I heard the news,” Purdy said. “Saw him out on the field today, actually the first time in person. I just hugged him, told him I loved him, and hope he’s doing good. Obviously, just want him to heal up. We just want him to be good.”

Without Shanahan directing practice, Purdy acknowledged the adjustment but praised the coaching staff for keeping everything running smoothly.

Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Head coach Kyle Shanahan after defeating the Detroit Lions 34-31 in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Brock Purdy on playing with Mike Evans, rookie WRs

“He’s our guy. He’s the one leading all the team meetings. It has been weird,” Purdy said. “But I will say the assistant coaches have done a good job with stepping up.”

Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak has taken over play-calling duties during practice, something Purdy believes has been seamless.

“Klay’s the man, so he does a great job with that,” Purdy said, adding that after nearly five years in Shanahan’s offense, he feels comfortable helping keep the offense on schedule while Kubiak handles the play calls.

Purdy also couldn’t hide his excitement about throwing to veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, one of San Francisco’s biggest offseason additions.

“It’s been really fun,” Purdy said. “I grew up watching him. To now be able to throw to him and be on the same team and compete together, for sure, I pinch myself. This is surreal for me.”

The quarterback said the offense has noticeably more speed this season, something the coaching staff emphasized after reviewing explosive plays from last year.

“The third-level throws down the field are definitely a thing that we all dove into this offseason,” Purdy said. “From what I’ve seen the first two days and being able to air it out. I’m like, ‘Let’s go.’ It brings a whole other dynamic to our offense.”

Purdy also highlighted rookie receivers De’Zhaun Stribling and Jordan Watkins after spending extra time working with them over the summer. He was especially impressed with Stribling’s football intelligence and attention to detail.

De’Zhaun Stribling #1 of the Ole Miss Rebels runs after a catch against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Caesars Superdome on January 1, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)

“He’s done a good job of studying, being on top of it,” Purdy said. “He’s proven to all of us that he’s reliable and we can trust him.”

Defensively, Purdy said new coordinator Raheem Morris has already made life more difficult for the offense with disguised coverages and varied fronts, calling the early practices “good work on both sides of the ball.”

As camp begins, Brock Purdy believes the 49ers have the leadership to weather Shanahan’s temporary absence, but made it clear the team’s priority remains getting its head coach healthy.

“We’ll be ready for it,” Purdy said. “But more than anything, we just want Kyle to be good and healthy and ready to come back when he’s ready.”

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Could the 49ers reunite with Deebo Samuel?
• Kyle Shanahan to be limited in camp after serious car crash
• 49ers Training Camp: Health, Brock Purdy & the Aging Core Take Center Stage
• 49ers Announce 2026 Open Training Camp Dates
• ESPN insider on QB Brock Purdy’s 2026 outlook & Brandon Aiyuk’s future

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

• Late July 2026 – NFL Training Camps open
• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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