49ers training camp update: Brock Purdy and rookie Ricky Pearsall connect for a TD, while the team signs CB Eli Apple. Get the latest from July 28 camp.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
After a 2024 season marred by injuries and disappointment, Monday felt like a turning point in Santa Clara. The offense received a jolt of energy with the return of quarterback Brock Purdy and rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall, who wasted no time connecting for a touchdown. Meanwhile, the front office addressed a major defensive hole, signing veteran cornerback Eli Apple to shore up a depleted secondary.
Rookie Ricky Pearsall, fresh off the PUP list, caught a touchdown from Brock Purdy during red zone drills and immediately showed the dynamic playmaking ability the team has been missing.
The connection fans have been waiting to see finally materialized. Brock Purdy, back from a personal absence, looked sharp and in command. His chemistry with first-round pick Ricky Pearsall was instantly apparent. Pearsall, activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list, made the day's biggest splash, hauling in a red-zone touchdown from Purdy. His involvement wasn't limited to offense; he also took reps as a punt returner, signaling the team's intent to use his athleticism in multiple ways. The offensive line also saw some shuffling, with Spencer Burford taking first-team reps at left tackle while Trent Williams had a veteran's rest day, a key storyline as the team seeks to build depth and protect its franchise QB.
Just as the offense found a spark, the defense got a much-needed reinforcement. The 49ers signed veteran corner Eli Apple, a move that directly addresses the offseason departures of Charvarius Ward and Talanoa Hufanga. Apple brings years of starting experience and is expected to compete immediately for a significant role in Robert Saleh's new-look defense. His arrival complements the promising play of rookie CB Jakob Robinson, who continued his impressive camp with another pass breakup in the red zone. Solidifying the secondary is paramount if the Niners hope to improve, and the Apple signing is a clear, aggressive step in that direction.
Practice was briefly overshadowed by a frightening injury to defensive lineman Tarron Jackson, who had to be transported to a local hospital. The sight of a player down is always sobering, but the team released positive news later in the afternoon. Jackson was reported to be in stable condition with feeling in all his extremities. The incident highlighted the rapid response of the 49ers' medical and training staff, and the tight-knit nature of the locker room was evident in the outpouring of support from teammates and coaches.
Overseeing it all was a powerful brain trust. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was joined at practice by his legendary father, Mike Shanahan, a welcome sight for the 49ers Faithful. The bigger story, however, is the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Tasked with rebuilding a defense that lost stars like Dre Greenlaw and Aaron Banks, Saleh's energy is a focal point of camp. After a 6-11 finish in 2024 and the blockbuster trade of Deebo Samuel, the pressure is on Shanahan, Saleh, and GM John Lynch to prove they can retool and get this team back to its winning ways.
Monday was more than just another day of training camp; it was a microcosm of the 2025 49ers' mission. It showed flashes of offensive potential, proactive moves to fix defensive weaknesses, and the resilience to overcome a frightening moment. The road back to contention is long, but with key players returning and reinforcements arriving, the path forward looks significantly brighter than it did 24 hours ago. All eyes will now be on how quickly Apple can integrate into the defense and whether the Purdy-Pearsall connection can become a season-long staple.
