Fred Warner ‘not surprised’ Brock Purdy is ‘ahead of schedule’ in UCL recovery

The San Francisco 49ers run a tight ship with information that gets leaked out, so much so that even Fred Warner didn’t know Brock Purdy would be on the practice field this week.

When broaching the subject with the linebacker Tuesday, he was taken aback, first hearing the news from the media. But once he processed the information, it didn’t shock him, aware of the kind of work ethic the seventh-round draft pick possesses.

“I didn’t know that,” Fred Warner said with a chuckle. “I’m really not surprised. I’ve seen the way he’s been working, I’ve been here training all summer and I know he’s been here and I think in Jacksonville [Florida] training too. I’m not surprised, I know the make-up of how he is since he got here. It only makes sense that he’s ahead of schedule.”

.@MaioccoNBCS catches Warner up on Brock Purdy's status 😅 pic.twitter.com/OnAyPMVUkT

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) July 25, 2023

While Purdy will have to work his way back to game shape during training camp, Warner & the defense know that he is pretty untouchable during live drills. Instead, the defense will look to bring their A-Game against other members of the offense, including wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

The linebacker and wideout got into a bit of a scuffle during training camp last season, so much so that they had to be separated by teammates. While it’s all in good competitive nature, Warner is looking forward to getting under the skin of a few guys this time around, even if he doesn’t have a particular target at the moment.

“It’s a healthy rivalry with everyone,” Warner said. “I think what makes a great team, and I’ve always talked about it, just kind of having that healthy competition out there on the field amongst everyone. You know, I think we all bring just the best out of each other when we’re out there, kind of getting after one another. And I probably expect the same this year.”

So far, Aiyuk has been the one to reignite the heat heading into camp, posting a harsh message to the 49ers’ defense on his Instagram. Warner is aware of the post, not trying to start any beef, but definitely tucking it away for the practice field.

“Good Luck,” he smirked to the media.

We are all here for that 🔥 between Fred Warner and Brandon Aiyuk at #49ersCamp

pic.twitter.com/3q5EuAmAig

— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) July 25, 2023

San Francisco’s defense has undergone a few changes this offseason, losing longtime coach DeMeco Ryans, and longtime secondary member Jimmie Ward to the Houston Texans. While Warner knows they have some work to do in order to re-establish their defensive dominance, he’s looking forward to the hierarchy playing out in August.

“I think it’s something that’s kind of organic,” Warner said. “It’s something that organically happens throughout training camp, throughout the season. I don’t think it’s all on [safety Talanoa Hufanga’s] shoulders to be the guy all of a sudden. I think it’s gonna be leadership by committee in that room, especially with him.”

Being the leader of the defense, Fred Warner also has to worry about its’ star pass rusher, Nick Bosa, getting paid.

San Francisco 49ers’ general manager John Lynch stated Tuesday that Bosa wouldn’t be present when training camp starts Wednesday, as the two sides continue to work towards a new deal. While the linebacker is also not worried, he admitted that he’ll breathe easier once Bosa is back on the practice field.

“If there’s one guy I wouldn’t worry about being in shape for training camp, I think it would be Nick Bosa,” Warner said.

Coming off an All-Pro year of his own, the best middle linebacker in the NFL has the same goal in mind for the 2023 season: To be better than he was last year, in every aspect.

Click here to watch Fred Warner’s full presser.

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