SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) – Brock Purdy ran for a 5-yard touchdown during a brief tune-up for the season opener for San Francisco before the Los Angeles Chargers backups beat the 49ers 23-12 in the exhibition finale on Friday night.
In the last preseason game, the teams adopted contrasting strategies. San Francisco (1-2) opted to field Purdy and a few other key players for two drives, whereas the Chargers (2-1) relied heavily on their second and third-string players.
Purdy expressed their readiness to commence with this endeavor.
The game took place only a few hours after the Niners traded former quarterback of the future Trey Lance to Dallas for a fourth-round draft pick.
Lance became expendable less than three years after San Francisco traded three first-round picks to draft him third overall because of the emergence of Purdy.
“I acknowledge that we made an attempt, but unfortunately it was unsuccessful,” expressed coach Kyle Shanahan. “We take responsibility for that. I don’t want to label it as a failure as that would be overly critical of Trey. I understand our decision. We took a chance on him being our main player, but it didn’t pan out. Despite this, I still have faith in Trey.”
Purdy secured the position following Lance’s injury in the previous season and seems prepared to continue his impressive performance as a rookie. He effortlessly advanced the offense during his two drives, with the first one concluding when Jordan Mason fumbled at the goal line, and the second ending with Purdy’s touchdown run. Purdy completed 5 out of 9 passes for a total of 73 yards.
In his first three drives, Sam Darnold, who won the backup position over Lance, faced difficulties in advancing the Niners offense. However, he concluded the night by successfully throwing a 6-yard touchdown pass to Willie Snead.
Brandon Allen, currently in position to become the third-string quarterback if San Francisco decides to retain three quarterbacks, threw an interception on his initial throw during the game.
The Chargers have been exploring alternatives for the running back position, aside from their starter Austin Ekeler. Joshua Kelley presented a compelling argument for himself by scoring a touchdown with a 75-yard run in the opening quarter.
Backup quarterback Easton Stick also led a field-goal drive in the first half. Stick finished 9 for 11 for 38 yards.
Third-string QB Max Duggan threw a 3-yard pass to Hunter Kampmoyer.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley expressed that defeating a strong opponent away from home, despite them fielding their best players, greatly boosted the confidence of his team.
INJURY REPORT
Chargers: DL Christian Okoye injured his elbow in the second half but returned to the game.
49ers: Third-round rookie K Jake Moody didn’t play after straining his right quadriceps in practice this week. He is day to day. Zane Gonzalez was expected to play but hurt his calf during pregame warmups and was scratched. Punter Mitch Wishnowsky missed an extra point. … WR Chris Conley (shoulder), DB A.J. Parker (hamstring) and S Taylor Hawkins (hand) left the game with injuries.
UP NEXT
The Chargers will be hosting Miami in their season opener on September 10th.
The 49ers will begin their season on September 10th in Pittsburgh.
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