Brock Purdy Shares How ‘natural' Ricky Pearsall Connection Emerged In 49ers' Win

Brock Purdy shares how ‘natural' Ricky Pearsall connection emerged in 49ers' win originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

LAS VEGAS — Brock Purdy looked to be in midseason form in his 2025 NFL preseason debut facing the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium.

The 49ers quarterback had a few of his starters on the field with him for the first drive in San Francisco’s 22-19 win, including tight end George Kittle and fullback Kyle Juszczyk — but left tackle Trent Williams and running back Christian McCaffrey sat out of the exhibition.

Purdy’s connection and chemistry with second-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was on full display with two quick completions to start the drive.

“We watched a lot of stuff from last year,” Purdy said of Pearsall after the game. “Understanding where we both need to be better when I’m throwing to him. I think we honed in on some things this year in camp, and in the game we just go out there and I think it’s pretty natural.”

The 49ers’ run game, however was stunted without Williams and McCaffrey on the field. Before leaving the game with a shoulder injury, Patrick Taylor Jr., who took the first-team reps with the offense, carried the ball two consecutive times for losses of 5 and 3 yards.

Purdy then completed a third pass to Pearsall and connected with Isaiah Hodgins before Taylor finally had a positive run of 2 yards. The quarterback went back to the air, finding Demarcus Robinson to keep the drive alive.

The series then stalled out after two incomplete passes that bookended a scramble by Purdy.

The 49ers did not walk away from the first drive empty handed after Jake Moody trotted out for a successful 30-yard field goal attempt.

The 12-play, 61-yard drive was enough for coach Kyle Shanahan to pull his starters off the field for the remainder of the game. Purdy finished the contest completing 5 of 7 passes for 66 yards and a 100.9 passer rating.

“I thought it was a good drive,” Shanahan said. “I was happy with those guys. That was the goal, to have one long drive and get them out. I thought they did a good job.”

The 49ers will take both Sunday and Monday off before three consecutive practices ahead of their final preseason contest against the Los Angeles Chargers next Saturday at Levi’s Stadium.

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