On Tuesday, July 25th, the players reported to the 2023 San Francisco 49ers training camp. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, general manager John Lynch, and players spoke to the media. While practice will really begin Wednesday, during the opening press conference, there were a couple of very important comments that were made, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. While the rookies reported last week, here is a look at all you need to know from the first day of the 49ers training camp.
Brock Purdy is Cleared
All off-season, there has been discussion about the San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks. There were continuous debates on if Brock Purdy would start or if Trey Lance would get another opportunity in the league. Of the first updates Lynch and Shanahan gave, they said that Purdy is cleared to go and will not have to start on the PUP list. Now, the team will not throw him into the fire, but this is huge news for multiple reasons. The clearance comes directly from Purdy’s doctor, Dr. Keith Meister.
49ers QB Trey Lance (5) – Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports
The first important note is that Purdy will be the QB1 on Thursday’s practice at the 49ers training camp. Shanahan has already stated that he will have the day off on Wednesday. This means the QB2 spot will be competed for between Trey Lance and, most likely, Sam Darnold. Lynch did state that Purdy will begin on a snap count and will also rest every three days for now.
Purdy being cleared already is big news. While the majority expected him to play in week one, there was some fear about if he would be ready with little to no practice. Purdy will now have the entire 49ers training camp to get better and practice with his team. Now, of course, this does mean Lance is not being noted as the QB1. The good news for 49ers fans is that there is real competition for the second quarterback spot. Hopefully, Purdy remains healthy, but this team and fanbase know how important depth for each position is.
No Nick Bosa at 49ers Training Camp
The other most notable talking point heading into the 49ers training camp was Nick Bosa’s contract. The team and Bosa are currently working on a contract extension. Just like most players working on a new contract, Shanahan does not expect Bosa to be on the field for training camp until the contract is done. This was expected, as players do not want to risk injuries on the practice field and have it affect the contract. Neither Lynch nor Shanahan seemed concerned about Bosa not practicing.
Lynch did state that the team and Bosa, and of course, his agent, have wanted to keep talks private. There will most likely not be an update on the contract until it is officially done. Linebacker Fred Warner did say he is in no way worried about Bosa not being in shape by the time he returns to the team. Hopefully, the contract will be finalized soon so Bosa can show up to the 49ers training camp and run drills with Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead.
49ers DE Nick Bosa (97) – Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Injury Updates
Well, now that Purdy has been cleared, it is nice to say that he will not be starting on the PUP list. Shanahan also stated that Lance looked a lot healthier and has been quick on his feet. Aside from the quarterbacks, rookie cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. will be placed on the PUP list. This was known last week but confirmed by Lynch and Shanahan on Tuesday. He hyperextended his knee and suffered a bone bruise during OTAs. It will take time to heal, but luckily the team does not need to rush his return.
One interesting player to discuss is punter Mitch Wishnowsky may go on NFI to begin the 49ers training camp. He tweaked his back while lifting last week. Lynch stated it is nothing that the team is concerned about, but it is still something to monitor. Aside from these updates, the 49ers training camp is opening up fairly healthy.
Other 49ers Training Camp Notes
As known, star left tackle Trent Williams will be with the team once again in 2023. There were reports right after the 2022 season ended that Williams debated retiring. Sometimes when players debate that, there is a worry that they are not going to be their full selves in the season. While this was most likely not a fear for 49ers fans, they definitely should be happy to know that Williams never indicated to Shanahan that he debated on retiring.
49ers WR Deebo Samuel (19) – Stan Szeto/USA TODAY Sports
During the mandatory minicamp, wide receiver Deebo Samuel discussed his frustrations with how he played in 2022. He found himself out of shape, was highly critical of how he played and wants to step up big time in 2023. Shanahan was definitely happy to know that Deebo is determined this season and appreciated the self-criticism. It is also clear that the wide receiver wants Shanahan to know he is in shape because Shanahan stated that he “never had a grown man send me so many pictures with his shirt off.” This offense is going to be a fun one to watch.
Talanoa Hufanga was one of the three players to speak to the media on the reporting day of the 49ers training camp. While working hard throughout the offseason, his goals for the season are consistency and being more of a team leader. He is heading into his third year with the 49ers after becoming a starter in 2022. Hufanga also highlighted the rookie Ji’Ayir Brown’s maturity and confidence already. Between those two and Tashaun Gipson, the 49ers’ secondary will be a tough team to go against.
Hufanga also spoke about his excitement about having the new defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks. Wilks has much more knowledge of the secondary position, and Hufanga finds it cool to be able to ask questions and get an answer back right away. The last two defensive coordinators both coached linebackers first. The 49ers training camp will be the first true experience the entire team has to work with Wilks. Christian McCaffrey has experience with Wilks from both of their times with the Carolina Panthers. McCaffrey has nothing but praise for the 49ers’ new defensive coordinator.
This was just the reporting date for the San Francisco 49ers training camp. 49ers fans definitely should be excited about the season, and the hope is that everyone gets through the entire year healthy.
