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Shanahan Returns; Purdy Shows Maturity Amid Pick-Sixes

8/9/2026

Summary

Shanahan Returns

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said his headaches are improving since his July 14 car accident and he will coach the preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans.
Quarterback Brock Purdy threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns, one by Deommodore Lenoir and another by Upton Stout.
Defensive end Nick Bosa missed his third consecutive practice because of soreness.
Linebacker Luke Gifford was added to the injury list with a hamstring issue.

Summary

Halton Leads Line

Gracen Halton, a rookie, has moved ahead of C.J. West to lead the 49ers' interior line depth chart.
Coach Raheem Morris called Halton “feisty” and praised his quick first step and burst off the snap.
Morris introduced a “fever backer” role, using rookie linebacker Jaden Dugger—who rotated through multiple spots in camp—to vary defensive looks.
Second-year cornerback Upton Stout, the starting nickel, is being considered for safety and linebacker duties.

Summary

Purdy Matures

Quarterback Brock Purdy delivered quicker, more disciplined throws in camp, shedding his former gunslinger approach.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and the offensive staff said Purdy’s increased composure signals maturation entering his fifth year.
Analysts warned the 49ers’ offensive line remains unstable, raising protection concerns for Purdy as the season nears.
Sports Illustrated writer Grant Cohn, usually critical, shifted to a markedly positive assessment of Purdy’s camp performance.

History

Historical Context

Steve Young’s concussion-hit 1995 season left the 49ers missing stars like fullback William Floyd and cornerback Eric Davis, yet the team still posted a 12–4 record in 1996 before injuries cost the division title to the Panthers. The 2024 roster, guided by coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy, now confronts a comparable injury-driven reshuffle, reflecting the franchise’s long-standing need to adapt schemes.

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Shanahan Returns

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said his headaches are improving since his July 14 car accident and he will coach the preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans.
Quarterback Brock Purdy threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns, one by Deommodore Lenoir and another by Upton Stout.
Defensive end Nick Bosa missed his third consecutive practice because of soreness.
Linebacker Luke Gifford was added to the injury list with a hamstring issue.

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