HENDERSON, Nev., — The 49ers’ offense got off to a quick start in their joint practices with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday. 


On his second rep, quarterback Brock Purdy quickly connected with second-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall on a pass down the left side, followed by a short run by Christian McCaffrey. The All-Pro running back got his fair share of offensive reps both as a runner and a receiver.

George Kittle continued to be a favorite target for Purdy, often breaking free from coverage for positive gains. In one series, the tight end lined up across from Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt twice and connected with Purdy on both attempts.

“I thought it was solid,” Purdy said of Thursday’s practice session. “I thought our offense came out ready to roll and compete and so I thought it was overall pretty good. I think last week, obviously the first half of practice was a little slow, but I thought we finished it good. I thought today was pretty good from beginning to end.”

With all of the production seen on the field from his offense, coach Kyle Shanahan would still like to see his starters get some live reps on Saturday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium.

“I’d like Brock to play,” Shanahan said. “I haven’t decided anything for sure yet. We will watch this tape, but I planned on getting starters going. There might be a couple of guys I rest, but especially on the defense there’s not a lot of healthy starters as it is. I’ll figure it out in the next 24 hours.”


Quarterback Mac Jones alternated offensive series with Purdy while Carter Bradley was only on the field for a handful of plays.

There were a few veteran players who missed the lengthy on-field session which allowed some of San Francisco’s younger members to get involved, including offensive lineman Connor Colby. The rookie rotated with Nick Zakelj at left guard with the first team in Ben Bartch’s place.

Bartch, who is dealing with an elbow injury, was at practice only an observer. Colby has been taking advantage of his opportunities and impressing Shanahan in the process.

“I think he’s getting better each week,” Shanahan said. “You know, when you get these guys in at first you try not to judge them too hard because it takes a while. But the cool thing about O-linemen, is they just gradually get better each day, they kind of learn what we’re asking.

“It’s always different techniques. You never have a guy come out college who is going have to run as much as we ask him to as O-line. So, that always takes a number of days, sometimes a number of years. But I think he’s improved a lot here in these last couple weeks.”

Trent Williams was suited up and participated in individual drills and warm ups but was not on the field for team drills giving Spencer Burford more time at left tackle.

Best play of the day:

During the 49ers’ move-the-ball work Brock Purdy threw a deep pass down the right side of the field to Kyle Juszczyk, who caught the ball in stride for approximately a 40-yard gain and a would-be touchdown.

Injuries: 


Rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins, who missed practice with a high ankle sprain, was seen observing Thursday’s session without a walking boot or any sort of support on his foot.

Jauan Jennings, who shared on social media that he was in Las Vegas, was not seen at the Raiders facility.

Brandon Aiyuk made the trip, as did Isaac Guerendo, who was seen observing practice. Aiyuk was with his fellow wideouts during individual work, doing a few light movement exercises.

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