49ers' Brock Purdy discusses return to practice after elbow surgery

Brock Purdy was cleared to participate in training-camp practices earlier this week and served as the San Francisco 49ers' first-string quarterback on Thursday. 

"We slowly got to where we’re at and we still have a plan to carry out," Purdy said about his ongoing recovery, per Cam Inman of The Mercury News. "It’s not, 'We made it, I threw in practice, and it’s over.' We still have work to do."

Purdy underwent surgery on March 10 to address the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow he suffered in this year's NFC Championship Game, and there was a time earlier this summer when it was thought the 23-year-old wouldn't be cleared to practice until the second half of August at the earliest. Instead, the 2022 rookie sensation was temporarily back atop the depth chart as he prepares to start San Francisco's Week 1 matchup at the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 10. 

"There’s some rust I have to knock off," Purdy admitted. "I didn’t get any reps in (organized team activities) with 11-on-11, seven-on-seven. Just the pace of the game, seeing a defense, dropping back, going through reads. Today was good to get out there, go through reads, let it rip." 

Nick Wagoner of ESPN noted earlier this week Purdy won't throw every day, meaning free-agency signing Sam Darnold and 2021 first-round draft pick Trey Lance will receive opportunities to impress ahead of the preseason opener at the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 13. For now, individuals such as Purdy and head coach Kyle Shanahan will hold their breaths to see how the young quarterback's elbow responds to his workload. 

"I’ve worked up to this point where my arm doesn’t hurt," Purdy explained. "Yeah, from throwing, any quarterback will tell you, 'I’m going to ice arm and get treatment.' That’s where I’m at. It’s not like it’s killing me and/or I’m not going to practice tomorrow or anything. The arm feels great." 

Purdy didn't hide his excitement when he acknowledged that "last night was like Christmas" because he was so excited to take the field Thursday. He's still got a ways to go, but beating the odds and generating positive headlines is nothing new for the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.