How much will 49ers play Brock Purdy this preseason?

The San Francisco 49ers enter the weekend with their first of three preseason games, a Saturday matchup out in Nashville against the Tennessee Titans.

A year ago, quarterback Brock Purdy did not see any action in the preseason opener. He awaited the second game to take the field, which could have been influenced by the fact he was coming off offseason elbow surgery and was slowly ramping up to the regular season.

That could easily be the same approach this year for head coach Kyle Shanahan, as far as exhibition playing time for his quarterback, who looks to return to the NFC Championship game as well as the Super Bowl.

In 2023, the first of two preseason games saw Purdy throw for 65 yards while completing four of his five passes. He also had one carry for 8 yards. Purdy delivered a 73-yard performance in the third and final preseason contest last year. He completed five of his nine passes and ran in a 5-yard score.

The third-year pro is already cemented as San Francisco's starting quarterback. Last season, Purdy led the league with a 72.8 quarterback rating. Furthermore, his 31 touchdowns were third-best in the NFL to compliment his 4,,280 yards which ranked fifth best overall.

Putting it bluntly, there isn't much for him to work on this preseason.

Based on Shanahan's recent comments about preseason preparation, it doesn't sound as if Purdy and the bulk of starters will take the field in Tennessee.

"We don’t plan on many of the starters to play," Shanahan told reporters.

While the head coach didn't specifically mention anyone, aside from pointing out injured running back Christian McCaffrey, one can probably deduce Purdy won't play on Saturday and could be held back for most (if not all) of the preseason.

49ers probably let Brock Purdy sit and other QBs play

Shanahan alluded to the possibility that some starters will need see the field during the preseason.

This most likely includes Purdy, among others, at least in a small capacity. For now, San Francisco has a few quarterbacks on its depth chart to choose from.

First, the 49ers' offseason addition of Joshua Dobbs could be tabbed as the starter on Saturday against the Titans. In 2023, the veteran hurler split his time between the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings.

Dobbs' completion percentage was nearly identical with both teams. Combined, he threw for 2,464 yards in 13 games. The former University of Tennessee Volunteer recorded 13 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Dobbs also ran another six touchdowns in himself.

McCaffrey, and fellow tailbacks Elijah Mitchell and Isaac Guerendo are ailing with notable injuries. Thus, having a passing quarterback who is capable of also running the ball effectively bodes well for the 49ers.

Backup quarterback Brandon Allen was on the roster last year but did not take the field in 2023.

Locked in a camp battle with Dobbs for the No. 2 quarterbacking job, Allen figures to get plenty of field time this preseason, too.

Look for him and Dobbs to take a majority of the reps to develop a rhythm in the 49ers' offense throughout the preseason, while the undrafted rookie out of Wisconsin, Tanner Mordecai, should see the field late in exhibition games.

As for Purdy? Well, one might see him for a drive or two in Week 3 of the preseason, and that might be it.

Read more from Niner Noise