49ers training camp: Purdy stays hot, defense flashes, Shanahan progresses

The San Francisco 49ers held their eighth full training camp practice on Thursday as they continued preparations for the 2026 NFL season.

Thursday's practice was part of "87 Day," honoring franchise legend Dwight Clark while continuing the organization's annual effort to raise awareness for ALS. The event was held Thursday instead of on August 7 because the 49ers are scheduled to conduct only a walk-through on Friday rather than a full practice.

Ahead of practice, the 49ers signed offensive lineman Kion Smith to a one-year deal. To make room on the roster, the team waived wide receiver Colton Dowell.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan observed most of practice as he continues to recover from injuries sustained in a car accident. Quarterback Mac Jones noted that Shanahan continues to ramp up his involvement.

"He's been around," Jones said. "He's doing a good job of recovering. I don't know, you'd have to ask him how he feels overall, but I feel like he's doing normal Kyle stuff."

Below are some of the key takeaways from the 9:50 a.m. PT practice at the SAP Performance Facility, compiled from multiple media reports.

Noteworthy non-participants

These are the players who did not practice and are not on an injury list.

• RB Kaelon Black (adductor)
• DE Nick Bosa (soreness)
• WR Jacob Cowing (hip flexor)
• WR Mike Evans (quad strain)
• RB Jordan James (rib fracture)
• FB Kyle Juszczyk (finger fracture)
• WR Christian Kirk (calf strain)
• OT Vederian Lowe (high-ankle sprain)
• S Malik Mustapha (hamstring strain)
• OL Brett Toth (unspecified)
• DE Keion White (adductor)
• OL Carver Willis (concussion)
• OL Nick Zakelj (elbow)

Injury updates

Rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, who had been sidelined with hamstring tightness, returned to practice. However, he was a limited participant as he works his way back.

RELATED 49ers rookie De'Zhaun Stribling returns to practice after hamstring setback

Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu, who exited Wednesday's practice early with an apparent ankle injury, also returned on Thursday.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa returned after missing Wednesday's practice due to soreness. Both were held out of team drills.

Defensive end Nick Bosa, who is also dealing with soreness, remained sidelined.

Unavailable players

Physically unable to perform (PUP)

• RB Isaac Guerendo (pectoral)
• TE George Kittle (Achilles)
• DE Mykel Williams (ACL)

Injured reserve (IR)

• DL William Bradley-King
• DL Andrew Farmer (back)
• S Darrick Forrest
• DE Mikail Kamara (ACL)
• WR Ricky Pearsall (PCL)

Reserve/left squad

• WR Brandon Aiyuk

Offensive notes

Quarterback Brock Purdy turned in another impressive performance, completing 11 of his 14 pass attempts during team drills, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Over his last two practices, Purdy has completed 24 of 28 passes in team periods.

Purdy connected on deep touchdown passes to wide receivers KhaDarel Hodge and Malik Turner. He also fit a throw into wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who was tightly covered by cornerback Deommodore Lenoir.

"The Layer King has some real intensive intensity, and I like that about him," defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said. "It's really fun for me when you get a chance to get some of those call-it periods, and you get a chance to go in the back with the offense, and you call your play, and then you get a chance to just hear him operate. You're listening to him, and you're able to hear him operate, and you're able to hear him operate in a very pro manner, how he communicates with the coaches, how he's very up front.

"Today he got fired up, which was cool, which is fun, which is competitive, and I love that. When he does those things, it just makes the team go. I watched our team go out there and basically have a fight for an hour and a half and then all hug at the end of practice and cheer for each other. It's the weirdest thing ever—it's awesome. But it was a lot of fun with that guy. He's awesome."

The competition at left guard also remains worth watching. Veteran Robert Jones continued to work with the first-team offense, while second-year lineman Connor Colby rotated with the second- and third-team units.

"The Niners are going to have to keep looking for the best option for LG," Wagoner wrote. "Not sure that person is on the roster, though the concussion for Carver Willis is unfortunate because he might have been able to force his way into the conversation. "

Defensive notes

Rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton continues to stand out after returning from a knee bone bruise. He impressed during one-on-one pass-rush drills and flashed in team periods with his explosiveness off the line. After practice, defensive tackle Alfred Collins praised the rookie's work ethic.

"He's been working his butt off, getting better every day, and I'm excited to see what he does," Collins said.

Fellow second-year defensive tackle C.J. West also looked strong during one-on-one pass-rush drills. Collins is excited about what the duo can bring to the defensive front.

"That's my dog, my right-hand bandit," Collins said. "We're ready to wreak havoc."

Rookie defensive end Romello Height, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, and defensive end Sam Okuayinonu all generated pressure throughout practice. Height also flashed against the run, as did West and Halton, offering more encouraging signs that the defensive front could be much-improved in 2026.

Rookie linebacker Jaden Dugger worked with the first-team defense as coaches continue to take advantage of his versatility by moving him around. Some of that may be due to injuries, but it's notable nonetheless.

Cornerback Jack Jones came up with one of the day's biggest defensive plays, intercepting a pass from quarterback Mac Jones that was intended for wide receiver Jordan Watkins along the left sideline.

Morris noted after practice that the cornerback room has been highly competitive throughout training camp, which he views as a positive because it reflects the amount of talented players at the position.

"Jack Jack's certainly one of them," Morris said.

Linebacker Luke Gifford later broke up another Mac Jones pass intended for Deebo Samuel. The pass may have resulted in a second interception for Jack Jones, who was in position to make the play had the ball not been deflected.

Safety Ji'Ayir Brown forced a fumble after delivering a hit on tight end Luke Farrell following a reception from Brock Purdy. Cornerback Renardo Green recovered the loose ball.

Next practice

The 49ers will hold a walk-through on Friday, which will be closed to the media.

The next full practice will be on Saturday, August 8 at 10:15 a.m. PT. The session will be open to fans.

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