Niners GM John Lynch on Monday called a healthy QB Brock Purdy "the leader in the clubhouse" for the team's starting job, according to David Lombardi of The Athletic. That stops short of anointing Purdy the starter once his repaired throwing arm is ready. But it's certainly not good for Trey Lance, just two years after the franchise traded quite a bit to move up and draft him third overall. Lynch said Purdy, Lance, and Sam Darnold will compete for the job. And perhaps 49ers leadership is trying to motivate Lance, ahead of his third NFL season. Even if that's the case, though, it wouldn't be a great sign if they think the 23-year-old (this May) needs such motivation. Lance remains a high-ceiling best ball pick in case he does win the job. And we'll see about Purdy's health this summer. But there's also high risk to rostering Lance in formats where you can't replace him once the season starts. Of course, Darnold arriving to Week 1 as the starter would be bad news for everyone.

49ers QB Brock Purdy was without WR Brandon Aiyuk on Thursday night but still delivered a strong fantasy outing in the win over the Giants. He completed 25 of 37 passes (67.6%) for 310 yards (8.4 YPA), two TDs, and 0 INTs. Purdy actually missed a few throws early on but settled in by the second quarter. He found WR Ronnie Bell at the front pylon for a nine-yard score in the second quarter and then tossed a beautiful back-shoulder deep ball to WR Deebo Samuel for a 27-yard score in the fourth. Purdy has now tallied multiple passing TDs in nine of his 11 full games as a pro. He gets another plum matchup in Week 4 vs. the Cardinals that will make him a viable QB1. That's followed by much tougher draws vs. the Cowboys and Browns.

49ers QB Brock Purdy completed 19 passes on 29 attempts for 220 passing yards with 2 TDs and zero INTs in Sunday’s win vs. the Steelers. The second-year signal-caller also added a career-best 20 rushing yards on 3 carries in the contest. The 49ers recorded 391 yards of total offense, the highest of any team in the early slate of games. Aside from a strip sack by Steelers LB T.J. Watt, Purdy performed efficiently and should have another solid outing in Week 2 vs. the Rams.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan doesn’t expect QB Brock Purdy to play in the preseason opener. Purdy will take part in joint practices with the Raiders this week. In his place, look for San Francisco to get an extended look at Trey Lance come Sunday afternoon.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said he no longer thinks about Brock Purdy’s offseason elbow surgery. This comment came on the heels of Purdy’s "sharpest practice” of camp, per beat reporter Matt Maiocco. “That’s completely off my mind. He’s healed; he’s healthy,” Shanahan said. “Guys got to get into throwing shape and they got to play and get used to that, and that takes time. But I’m not thinking about his injury.” Purdy and the 49ers travel to Pittsburgh for Week 1. The second-year QB should only factor into your superflex strategy for that one.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan likes what he's seen from QB Brock Purdy in camp so far. "I think he's done great," Shanahan said. "He has come back. He's had no arm troubles. He's been totally healthy. I think he's getting all his timing back, his rhythm. I was really impressed with him in his two practices." Purdy remains the favorite to open the season as San Francisco's starter.