How Brock Purdy performed in his first game action as the 49ers' official franchise QB

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LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Yes, Brock Purdy took his first in-game snaps for the 49ers since signing a contract worth up to $265 million three months ago. And they went well against the Las Vegas Raiders, as Purdy led a 61-yard field goal drive with several sharp throws.

But the most compelling action might've come before the game. For one, Purdy threw three passes during early warmups to 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk — who's currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as he recovers from ACL and MCL tears.

Aiyuk is obviously healthy enough to run routes, though, and his involvement as an active observer during practices and in this warmup can be considered good signs for a 49ers team with a plethora of questions at receiver. A few days ago, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan hinted that Aiyuk would likely miss the first part of the regular season, but it does seem that a return around Week 6 might actually be realistic.

At around the time that Purdy and Aiyuk were reconnecting on the field, San Mateo native and Bay Area legend Tom Brady — a minority owner of the Raiders — strode into Allegiant Stadium.

Remember that the six-time Super Bowl champion is a key part of Purdy's story. Remember that Purdy, in his first career start, beat Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022. That was the only time Brady lost to a team helmed by a rookie QB in his illustrious 23-year career.

Brady watched Purdy play more crisp football on this day, although the preseason stakes were far less consequential than those of that December day some three years ago.

Purdy opened with three straight completions to second-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, maintaining a connection that's shined during training camp. The third one was particularly impressive; it was a perfectly placed skinny post to convert a third-and-18.

Purdy didn't throw an incompletion until veteran wideout Demarcus Robinson dropped his quick-hitter inside the red zone. The 49ers settled for a Jake Moody field goal three plays later, and Shanahan — happy with Purdy's workload — replaced his starting QB with Mac Jones.

For Purdy, the opening drive went far better than his 2024 preseason debut. Against the New Orleans Saints, Purdy went just 2-of-6 for 11 yards. This time, he went 5-of-7 for 66 yards.

The 49ers played a handful of starters, a group that included Purdy, tight end George Kittle and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, but they sat the majority of their superstars. Running back Christian McCaffrey, defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner, and left tackle Trent Williams all had the day off.

The opening drive saw starting right guard Dominick Puni go down with a knee injury sustained on Moody's opening field goal try. The 49ers ruled Puni out for the game, but more updates on him — and on rookie running back Corey Kiner, who was carted off with a leg injury — likely won't come until after the final whistle.

Backup 49ers quarterback Mac Jones took over following Purdy's work. He went 13-of-16 for 135 yards over the first three quarters and looked sharp outside an interception to Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn, who'd dropped into zone coverage after feigning a blitz. Jones led a touchdown drive capped by a Jeff Wilson Jr. touchdown run.

The veteran running back, who'd played for the 49ers from 2018 to 2022, returned this past week. Given mounting injuries at the position (Patrick Taylor Jr. was also knocked out of Saturday's game with a shoulder injury), it appears Wilson now has a real shot to make the 49ers' team again.

This is a developing story and will be updated after 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and players speak to reporters following Saturday’s game.