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SANTA CLARA — Quarterback Brock Purdy spent most of the season practicing for the 49ers’ scout team.
He threw passes against the 49ers’ first-team defense to practice team wide receivers Willie Snead IV, Tay Martin, Daz Newsom, and more.
Since being replaced by Jimmy Garoppolo on December 4, Purdy has spent a lot of time with team regulars, including 1,000-yard receiver Brandon Ayuk.
“I’m starting to get to know him now. I’ve been working with him a little bit more and I’ve been able to talk to him a little bit more. We’re just talking about football and seeing his type.” said Ayuk.
In his third season in the NFL, Ayuk set a career-high with 78 receptions for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns this season.
Garoppolo was the quarterback for Ayuk’s five touchdown receptions.
Wide receiver Devo Samuel and running back Elijah Mitchell returned for the final week of the regular season, adding more potential to an offense that already featured the likes of Ayuk, McCaffrey, George Kittle and Jauan Jennings.
Following the 49ers’ Week 18 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Purdy said he believes the offense still has a lot of room to improve. After he took over as the team’s quarterback, the 49ers averaged his 33.6 points per game.
“I feel like we haven’t reached our full potential yet,” Purdy said. “So we see it as a challenge. But we are also excited because if we reach our full potential, what else can we do? ?”
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Ayuk headed into the 49ers’ first-round playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, recording 18 receptions and gaining 241 yards in his last three games against Purdy.
“We are starting to grow with him as we get more reps,” said Aiyuk. “He’s doing a great job and we’re still growing.
“We’re trying to see how far he can get it and where he can get it. We’re just trying to improve every week.”
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