SANTA CLARA – Time to pack for Las Vegas, but first, let’s unpack 49ers fans‘ questions for this mailbag ahead of Thursday’s practice at the Raiders’ facility and Saturday’s preseason affair at Allegiant Stadium:
How many offensive series will Brock Purdy play? (@andrew.liu.87)
Coach Kyle Shanahan likely will say that Purdy’s playing time depends on how he fares in Thursday’s 8:45 a.m. practice, as the temperature rises from 90s to 100. He played three series (with one first down) in last year’s second preseason game against the Saints, and he executed one long series (nine plays) in the previous year’s Week 2 preseason matchup against Denver.
“I always love getting it just to get the feel for warming up for a game, how it feels dropping back, 11-on-11, in the stadium, with the shot clock and just working all the things to get ready for Game 1,” Purdy said last week.
The only preseason games he’s skipped are the openers the past three years; Christian McCaffrey last had a preseason carry in 2019, by the way. Both offensive catalysts — and others — already look ready for Week 1.
San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy (13) hands the ball off to San Francisco 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey (23) during practice at the 49ers training camp at the practice facility at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Who do you feel is having the best camp? (@matty_maff)
George Kittle has delivered daily bonanzas, but McCaffrey is an irresistible magnet for my eyes, based off last season’s injuries and his 2023 season’s MVP-caliber production. He’s consistently churning with a steely-eyed grit into non-tackling defenders. Simply, he looks pissed. His game face is on. That’s a great look for the 49ers.
Tuesday’s practice saw him get carries on four of the initial five snaps, and he scored a red zone touchdown catch on practice’s penultimate play. Blocking and celebrating on the play was Kittle, who fortunately is not coming off the injury-stricken season McCaffrey is.
I didn’t see J.J. on the side today. Do you know how his calf is? Maybe I missed him. (@mrsjmcgowan)
I spotted Jennings doing very light jogging on the side Tuesday with trainer Dustin Perry. Interestingly – even more so amid contract haggling – is that Kyle Shanahan said Jennings’ calf issue traces to one that kept him out of last summer’s camp. Shanahan acknowledged that it didn’t keep Jennings from having a career year (975 yards). But it’s keeping him off the field at least three weeks — a “calf-out,” if you will.
49ers receiver Jauan Jennings #15 leaves the field after a scuffle with and Cardinals defensive back Sean Murphy-Bunting #23 during the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals game played at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. Both players were ejected after the fight…(John Medina/Special to Bay Area News Group)
Do you think they go out and get another veteran WR and not just a body for training camp? (@SFG_soccer)
They have money to pay a veteran wide receiver? Tell it to Jennings, who is waiting for an extension in a contract year. He will be the accomplished, plug-and-play veteran they need and can afford. Otherwise, trade him for one.
The injury situation with the WRs is insane. Do you think there is any chance they sign Keenan Allen? (@JWalizerJr)
Allen reunited last week with the Chargers, so he’s out, unless they cut him before the season and the 49ers are in even greater need for him. As for Amari Cooper, he’s made over $135 million in his career with four teams, so do you think he really wants to partake in preseason action at a paycheck that probably can’t exceed Jennings’ price point for locker room’s sake?
Why do you think we are always so injured? (@thebrendito)
On the contrary. No marquee starters have sustained a camp injury that is expected to linger into the Sept. 7 opener. Instead, the 49ers have compiled a typical assortment of injuries through 14 practices, although potential starting defensive tackle Kevin Givens has a pectoral tear that could sideline him until midseason. Also, a respectful nod to the 2025 exits of running back Ameer Abdullah (ribs), defensive end Tarron Jackson (neck) and wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (foot).
San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver Jacob Cowing (19) catches the ball during practice at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
Is Jacob Cowing at practice? (@danielzv_559)
Cowing resumed practicing Tuesday after pulling a hamstring in warmups at the very first practice of camp three weeks ago. He drew rave reviews for his offseason work, including side work with Brock Purdy. Premature praise? Isn’t all of this before Sept. 7? Cowing gets back in the mix at a swell time.
How do you feel about DT and OT? (@hallschophouse)
It’s not as gloomy as you think. Trent Williams still plays left tackle for this team, and he’s practiced more this camp than expected. Colton McKivitz is better than ever – not perfect, mind you — after an offseason overhaul of his body. Andre Dillard’s practice debut Monday improves the swing tackle options beside Austen Pleasants and Spencer Burford. The line’s bigger concern is at left guard, with Ben Bartch exiting early Tuesday with an unspecified injury after missing the first week of camp with a quadriceps issue.
The 49ers are extremely young at defensive tackle, and that’s expected with the drafting of Alfred Collins and C.J. West. But Kalia Davis and undrafted rookie Sebastian Valez have opened eyes, while camp-opening starters Jordan Elliott (back) and Kevin Givens (pectoral) have stepped aside.
San Francisco 49ers’ Alfred Collins (99) watches teammates during a practice at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Friday, May 9, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
I am hearing mixed reviews on Alfred Collins. What do you think? (@matty_maff)
You’re hearing rush to judgments, which is what we’re all making on a second-round pick who missed all of the offseason work with a calf injury. He’s improving with each rep. He’s a massive man who I envision growing into a legitimate force, but it could take years, not days.
“He was way far behind the eight-ball, and I felt like this past weekend, especially in the game, he took a really, really good step in terms of strain and power at the point of attack,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said. “The next step for him is to get off blocks, play with great pad level, go make some plays. But overall, I thought his footwork was better, his pad level was better, everything improved.”
Where is Kyle Shanahan? (@kylelopez2273)
He enters Year 9 on the sideline with 70 wins, one shy of matching Lawrence “Buck” Shaw and trailing only George Seifert (98) and Bill Walsh (92). Shanahan’s eight playoff wins are two shy of both Seifert and Walsh, who combined to win the 49ers’ five Lombardi Trophies. Shanahan’s 62 losses are most by a 49ers coach; Walsh had 59.
San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan and San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle (85) talk during practice at the 49ers training camp at the practice facility at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Thursday, July 24, 2025. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
Do you think the 49ers will have a good year?? (@sabrenabauske)
Good, yes. Great, perhaps. I have them going 11-6 and winning the NFC West via tiebreaker with the Rams. My playoff predictions — and Super Bowl 60 matchup at Levi’s Stadium — will be unveiled soon enough.
Related Articles
49ers’ Junior Bergen catching on as potential return specialist
49ers safety shuffle bumps rookie Marques Sigle into starting spotlight
Eight players who 49ers should put in bubble wrap until season opener
Kurtenbach: The 49ers are short on time and shorter on bodies
49ers lose Jordan Watkins to ankle sprain while Aiyuk, Robinson face delayed debuts
No question, just a prayer: STAY HEALTHY (@perodh)
Great advice. Take a two-point conversion and call me in the morning. (PS: That is no knock on Dr. Jake Moody.)
