How 49ers QB Purdy Looked in Final Preseason Game Against Raiders Originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

LAS VEGAS — Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense showed a little more chemistry in San Francisco’s third exhibition game on Friday, but it certainly wasn’t perfect.

Most of the first-team squad was on the field for three series against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, listing some highlights and others they’d like to see return. Purdy had George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and JP Mason at his disposal after all three missed the preseason win over the New Orleans Saints.

Purdy began his first drive with a 25-yard dart to Samuel, followed by a 15-yard completion to Kittle. The drive then stalled after Mason was tackled for a loss of five yards, which was followed by two Purdy incompletions — one to Mason and another to Kittle on a pass behind the tight end.

The 49ers’ second drive was reminiscent of the 2023 season, when Purdy and Co. seemed unstoppable. The 12-play, 85-yard drive featured more of the offense, with completions to tight end Jake Tonges and Kittle, as well as runs by Mason and rookie running back Isaac Guerendo, who just returned to the practice field this week.

Purdy also showed his own ability to elude defenders with a 14-yard run to keep the drive alive. Mason capped the series with a four-yard touchdown run, and when the sophomore back returned to the sideline, running backs coach Bobby Turner gave Mason a pat on the back and a “good job.”

Purdy’s third and final drive started well with a 15-yard pass to Chris Conley, followed by a five-yard completion to Samuel before a pair of runs by Mason resulted in a Purdy sack. The third-year quarterback’s ill-advised pass to Samuel was tipped in the air and intercepted by Raiders safety Chris Smith II and returned 31 yards.

Overall, the 49ers’ offense looked much more cohesive than last week, but it still has a lot to work on heading into their Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets on “Monday Night Football.” Purdy completed 9-of-16 passes for 96 passing yards and one interception with a 63.2 passing rating.

The players missing from the lineup were fullback Kyle Juszczyk (experienced rest), running back Christian McCaffrey (calf), wide receivers Jauan Jennings (oblique), Brandon Aiyuk and left tackle Trent Williams, all of whom are key contributors on offense. Their return will help the group return to the well-oiled machine that fans have seen from the group in the past.

One positive development was the success of the rushing attack by the running backs, even with a few offensive linemen out of the game. The starting lineup on Friday night consisted of: Jaylon Moore at left tackle, Nick Zakelj at left guard, Jack Brendel at center, Dominick Puni at right guard and Colton McKivitz at right tackle.

With a few more weeks of practice and a full complement of offensive players on the field, the 49ers have the potential to be as good as they have been in the past.

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