SANTA CLARA — The 49ers hold their first practice of training camp Wednesday beginning a slow build to a 2024 season that has been characterized as make-or-break season with the only satisfactory outcome being a victory in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
The emphasis for coach Kyle Shanahan will be getting the 49ers to the starting gate as healthy as possible through practice sessions and three exhibition games before opening the season on Monday night, Sept. 9 against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.
Other than maintaining health, here are a few of the most important questions looming over this year’s camp:
Place your vote at the bottom for the biggest issue facing the 49ers.
1. Will Brandon Aiyuk be a camp standout for the third straight year or will he be affected by a contract situation which could disrupt his timing with quarterback Brock Purdy and his attitude regarding his status?
2. By any measure, Purdy exceeded all expectations coming off elbow surgery in 2023 and it’s his team. With no physical restrictions, can Purdy elevate his team on a daily basis in a Montana- or Young-like fashion in Year 3?
3. Shanahan is a firm believer that the only way to get better is to practice. How will he balance that belief with making sure veterans with high workloads such as George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams are thriving when the regular season begins?
4. Will the 49ers identify a suitable bookend pass rusher opposite Nick Bosa from among Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos and Robert Beal Jr.?
5. Can wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr., a first-round draft pick currently managing a, show enough mastery of the offense to be an instant contributor?