49ers’ Brock Purdy works to build chemistry with changing receiver group

Brock Purdy says returning to basics has sharpened his play as the 49ers prepare to face Atlanta and push for 7-0.

The quarterback spent the offseason working on his footwork, which he said helps him process reads and play with urgency.

“Honestly, just going back to fundamentals and playing fast and with a sense of urgency,” Purdy said. “I think it starts with your feet.”

Purdy explained that quarterbacks can anticipate what is developing mentally, but their footwork has to carry them through progressions. If it doesn’t, he said, a quarterback can fall behind or second-guess himself.

For Purdy, that focus on fundamentals has meant starting “back to square one” and making sure his feet move him through the offense on time.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 11: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at Lumen Field on October 11, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

More from 49ers QB Brock Purdy

That timing will matter as the 49ers work with a changing group of receivers.

Brock Purdy said the offense relies on players lining up in the right split and hitting routes at the right moment. He is also learning how each receiver creates separation against man coverage.

“Every guy does that in their own way,” Purdy said. Practice reps, he added, help him understand how receivers get in and out of cuts so he can deliver the ball.

Christian Kirk, who recently returned to practice, has made a strong impression on Purdy. The quarterback called the veteran ready to contribute and said the initial adjustment was getting comfortable with the cadence of practice and facing man coverage again.

“I think he’s going to come in and do his job well,” Purdy said. “He’s a playmaker.”

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 18: Christian Kirk #13 of the Houston Texans celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Purdy also hopes to build a stronger connection with Jordan Watkins, who played 49 snaps and caught his only target in the previous game. He rejected the idea that the limited production reflected a lack of effort to get Watkins involved, pointing to the number of established playmakers competing for opportunities.

“He’s definitely a playmaker,” Purdy said. “He’s been consistent. He’s been a guy that has stayed faithful to this whole process.”

Purdy said Watkins has shown he can create yards after the catch, and he wants their connection to keep improving. The quarterback also praised Kirk and Brandin Cooks for bringing veteran experience as they learn the system and prepare for bigger roles.

With a short week before Sunday’s game in Atlanta, Purdy’s emphasis is on execution and building timing with whoever is on the field.

The 49ers will need that rhythm as they pursue a 7-0 start.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• 49ers need WRs to step up if Mike Evans misses Falcons game
• Should the 49ers trade for a receiver after Mike Evans’ Achilles injury?
• Matt Barrows: 49ers should ‘double down’ at the Trade Deadline
• Mike Evans update: Kyle Shanahan hopeful after Achilles flare-up

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Sunday, October 25th – @ Atlanta Falcons – 10:00 am PT
• BYE WEEK
• Sunday, November 8th – vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, November 15th – @ Dallas Cowboys – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, November 22nd – vs. Minnesota Vikings – 5:20 pm PT

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our Sactown Sports YouTube page.

Related

49ers need WRs to step up if Mike Evans misses Falcons gameKyle Shanahan shares 49ers injury news ahead of Falcons gameShould the 49ers trade for a receiver after Mike Evans’ Achilles injury?Matt Barrows: 49ers should ‘double down’ at the Trade DeadlineMike Evans update: Kyle Shanahan hopeful after Achilles flare-up49ers survive Commanders’ attempted comeback, improve to 6-0