49ers training camp: Brock Purdy struggles with the deep ball

On Friday, the San Francisco 49ers held their 17th training camp practice. The team is preparing for Sunday's exhibition game against the New Orleans Saints, which will be the 49ers' only home game this preseason.

Here are some highlights from the 10:25 a.m. PT practice at the SAP Performance Facility, compiled from various sources.

Noteworthy non-participants

• WR Brandon Aiyuk (hold-in)
• OL Aaron Banks (finger)
• OL Ben Bartch (knee irritation)
• DE Nick Bosa (rest)
• OL Spencer Burford (hand)
• DT Kalia Davis (knee)
• OL Jon Feliciano (knee irritation)
• RB Isaac Guerendo (hamstring)
• DT Javon Hargrave (rest)
• RB Christian McCaffrey (calf)
• RB Elijah Mitchell (hamstring)
• WR Ricky Pearsall (shoulder)
• RB Patrick Taylor Jr. (foot)
• CB Ambry Thomas (forearm)
• P Mitch Wishnowsky (knee)
• CB Isaac Yiadom (ankle)

Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that offensive lineman Aaron Banks broke his pinky finger and underwent surgery. However, he is hopeful that Banks will be ready for Week 1.

Unavailable players

• LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles)
• S Talanoa Hufanga (knee)
• DE Drake Jackson (knee, season-ending)

• OL Pat Elflein (calf)
• WR Frank Darby (hamstring, cleared waivers)

• T Trent Williams (hold out)

Brandon Aiyuk watch

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk continues to hold out from practice as he awaits either a contract extension or a trade. For the third consecutive day, he observed practice and was even seen doing some conditioning on the sidelines.

Ricky Pearsall nearing a return?

Shanahan mentioned that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, the first-round draft pick who recently re-aggravated a shoulder injury, still has time to be ready for Week 1.

"We'll find out when he gets back and where he is," Shanahan told reporters. "We have another week here of camp, we have two weeks after. I forget what the days are, I think it's like 27 days or something. That's enough time.

"He's able to run and do all those things, do our walk-throughs, things like that. But just want to protect him from hits and things like that so he doesn't have a setback."

Quick notes

With Banks sidelined, Nick Zakelj took the first-team snaps at left guard.

Nick Wagoner of ESPN reported that cornerback Deommodore Lenoir intercepted a deep pass from quarterback Brock Purdy that was underthrown to wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

"Lenoir was the Niners' most underrated player last year but he doesn't look like someone who will be overlooked this year. Just oozing confidence," noted Wagoner.

Purdy focused on improving his deep ball during practice but struggled to find success. Wagoner recorded him as completing 10-of-18 passes, with his best throw connecting with wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who was covered by Lenoir and safety George Odum.

After practice, Purdy was asked if pushing the ball down the field was an emphasis during Friday's session.

"Yeah, trying to take some shots and connect with Deebo on a couple deep ones," Purdy responded. "Missed them a couple times and almost connected on some. But yeah, we're trying to push the ball down the field and just continue to build that chemistry."

Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group highlighted that wide receiver Jacob Cowing had another strong day, excelling both as a receiver and returner. The 49ers' coaches will likely give him a closer look on Sunday against the Saints.

Regarding Cowing's practice performance, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area wrote, "His best play came when he ran a deep corner route and made a nice catch of a Josh Dobbs pass against the zone coverage of linebacker Curtis Robinson and defensive backs Rock Ya-Sin, Tayler Hawkins and Jaylen Mahoney."

Defensive ends Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos recorded would-be sacks against Purdy, who faced considerable pressure throughout the session.

Safety Ji'Ayir Brown broke up a pass intended for Samuel, while linebacker Curtis Robinson deflected a pass aimed at tight end Cameron Latu. Linebacker Tatum Bethune nearly intercepted quarterback Tanner Mordecai.

Inman awarded Robinson the hit of the day for his takedown of running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn.

Kicker Jake Moody did not attempt any field goals during practice.

Injury updates

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw continues to rehab from the Achilles injury he suffered in February. He observed his teammates during practice and appears to be progressing well (see videos below).

Safety Talanoa Hufanga has been medically cleared to increase his workload and could gradually return to practice soon.

Next practice

Next week's practice schedule will be released after Sunday's preseason game against the Saints.

Videos

None of the following videos are from team drills, as the media must stop recording once team drills begin.

Related News

• The Good and Not So Good from Day 17 of 49ers Training Camp SI.com • Aug 16
• 49ers training camp takeaways: Brock looks un-Purdy-like on Day 17 NBCS Bay Area • Aug 16