Kyle Shanahan calls Brock Purdy ‘the real deal’ amidst rustiness

Through the first week of training camp, Kyle Shanahan is pleased with what he’s seeing from Brock Purdy. But he also admits that the former rookie sensation still has some rust to knock off in training camp.

The San Francisco 49ers head coach took to the podium after practice Thursday, breaking down Purdy’s progress over the last week. After bring him along slowly to start, the coaching staff feels that he is back to normal as a quarterback, not concerned one but about his injury in January.

“Brock’s the real deal. He knows how to play,” Kyle Shanahan stated.

But despite getting most of the first team reps in practice, Shanahan admits he still has a few cobwebs to dust off. And while his completion percentage has been good (7-11 Thursday), Purdy has also thrown multiple interceptions and some bad balls along the way.

The point being: He’s not back to game shape just yet, but he’s working towards it each day.

“I don’t think anyone’s back to where they were exactly last season. Gaining through training camp, a lot of guys have more practices then [Brock Purdy]. But he’ll get there. He’s doing some good things…we’re not worried about Brock,” Shanahan said.

“He’s doing some good things… We’re not worried about Brock. Brock’s the real deal. He knows how to play.”

Kyle Shanahan on Brock Purdy working his way back into 2022 form. pic.twitter.com/Ya5xuHzvDq

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) August 3, 2023

The good news is that his arm is back to full health, made apparent after defensive end Clelin Ferrell knocked the ball out of his hands during 11-on-11s.

One of the few staples of practice is to never let the QB take a hit, even with pads on. Obviously, that’s difficult for defensive lineman, trained to do the exact opposite. And in a momentary lapse, it happened. Thankfully, Brock Purdy was okay, getting back in the huddle the very next play.

But that didn’t stop Shanahan from almost losing his mind on the player.

I had to hold my breath and I lose my mind. I could see it was all right, but I am a guy. I mean it’s human nature. The only way you can finish a sack is if you run run and reach and those guys do it and that’s why we have to get on them all the time not to do it because it is human nature

Unfortunately, injuries are a part of the game, with several 49ers already missing from action. Most notably running back Elijah Mitchell, out for a week with an abductor strain. Other players missing include left guard Aaron Banks (concussion protocol), OL Jon Felicano (shoulder) and OT Jaylon Moore (bone bruise).

One player who is back from injuries, however, is defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.

The fourth-year player has been a standout through 2023 training camp, looking his best since Day 1. After battling knee injuries for the better part of two years, the 49ers are thrilled that Kinlaw has made it this far without a setback.

None are more proud than coach Shanahan though, elated to see the former first-round pick doing what he loves at a high level.

“Every year we’re hoping he can come back and have the health and play the way that we always knew he was capable of. Every year it’s just heartbreaking with how hard he’s worked and what happens with him. And this year, it’s been so encouraging. It’s the first year that he’s gone from February, all the way up until now with no setbacks…You know how much it means him…It’s hard when you have those three years where you don’t have good luck, and to see him having the results of the effort he’s put in, you’re really pulling for the kid,” Kyle Shanahan said.

“You’re really pulling for the kid.”

Kyle Shanahan is happy for a healthy Javon Kinlaw 🥹 pic.twitter.com/5mS9zx7Nsv

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) August 3, 2023

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