49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has a tough wrinkle on this year’s training camp. He has to figure out how best to navigate Brock Purdy’s return from an elbow injury, while also divvying up reps for a backup quarterback battle between Trey Lance and Sam Darnold.
Wednesday’s practice was easier for Shanahan because Purdy was absent from the session. Lance and Darnold in that scenario split first and second-team reps while veteran Brandon Allen scooped up the leftover snaps.
Thursday gave a look at how San Francisco will let its backup battle play out.
With Purdy taking all of the first-team reps, Lance got the first snaps with the second team, but ultimately split those reps with Darnold according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. Allen was working with the third team.
There are two things we took away from this.
First, in case there was any question, Purdy is the team’s starting QB. If there was any doubt, this would be a perfect opportunity for the 49ers to work in one of the other QBs with the first team. Alas, they know Purdy needs all the reps in his return because they’re trying to get him ready for the season opener.
Second, it’ll be interesting to see if this pattern continues throughout camp. If they reach a point where they’re comfortable with Purdy’s progress and readiness, they may push Lance and Darnold up to get them more snaps. Should one of those QBs fall behind though we’ll likely know based on how their practice snaps are divided.
The QB snap counts will be something to keep a close eye on throughout camp, but Thursday’s division of reps paints a very clear picture of the 49ers’ QB situation.
