The moment the 49ers have been waiting for all offseason arrived on Thursday as Brock Purdy made his return to practice.

After Tuesday's confirmation of his clearance to return to the field and a day off for Purdy on Wednesday, the 49ers' presumptive QB1 took a big step towards leading the offense in Week 1 against the Steelers as he claimed all of the first-team reps on his 2023 training camp debut.

But if the 49ers fans present were expecting a spectacular comeback performance, they were severely disappointed.

Purdy was, by his own admission, rusty, struggling to produce positive plays against an elite defense. However, in terms of his physical condition four and a half months out from surgery to repair a torn Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) in his elbow, it was an extremely positive day for Purdy and 49ers.

No limitations, but Purdy admits to rust

Whichever way you slice it, the numbers for Purdy were not pretty.

Purdy saw his second throw in a team setting intercepted by safety Tashaun Gipson, and he finished just three of 10 for the day.

Yet the 49ers have to be extremely encouraged by what they saw from a physical standpoint. There was no evident loss of velocity and Purdy was able to put enough arm on his pass attempts to overthrow Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. Purdy connected with Aiyuk on a 20-yard completion described by The Athletic's David Lombardi as "a heater".

Aiyuk also dropped a pass from Purdy, which Nick Wagoner of ESPN labeled his best throw of the day.

Purdy said after practice:

"There’s some rust I have to knock off. I didn’t get any reps in OTAs with 11-on-11, 7-on-7. Just the pace of the game, seeing a defense, dropping back, going through reads. Today was good to get out there, go through reads, let it rip. Throwing go balls and cutting some balls to the sideline, I feel I have the strength to get it there, just like I had last year."

Having demonstrated no ill-effects from the elbow surgery in his opening practice, Purdy will obviously be seeking to let it rip with more accuracy as camp progresses, though he was not alone in having a tough day against San Francisco's formidable defense.

Trey Lance was two of five with a dropped interception and Sam Darnold was three of five. The two former third overall picks split second-team reps, and Darnold was credited with the two best throws of the day to Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

Brandon Allen, who has a chance to remain with the 49ers as a fourth quarterback they would most likely carry on the practice squad, was four of five.

Wilks excited by 49ers' unique D-Line depth

Defenses often have the edge early in training camp, and it should be of no surprise to see Steve Wilks' group dictating things early at 49ers camp.

Wilks inherited one of the most talented defenses in the NFL from DeMeco Ryans, with the 49ers' ranks on that side of the ball swelled by the blockbuster free agent addition of defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.

Hargrave's fellow defensive tackle, 2020 first-round pick Javon Kinlaw, was among those to receive praise on Thursday as the D-Line enjoyed an impressive day.

It is the strength of the front that has been a real eye-opener for Wilks, who was effusive in dishing out plaudits to that group.

Said Wilks: 

"I’ve probably never been around a group like this on defense, particularly up front, the talent level that we have. I think these guys are unique, we have depth, and it’s not when one guy comes out that you feel like 'ok we’re going to drop off' not at all. The depth that we have across the board inside and out, that’s what I’m talking about, never been around anything like this. We’ve done a tremendous job starting with John and Kyle building this roster and getting us the guys we need to play and succeed. I’m excited about that."

Wilks made those remarks about a group that is without Nick Bosa as the Defensive Player of the Year holds out amid negotiations over a likely record-setting contract extension with the 49ers.

Even without its talisman, the 49ers' D-Line has the talent to create significant disruption. It's frightening, for opponents at least, to think about how destructive it could be with Bosa in the lineup once the contract issue is resolved. No wonder Wilks is excited.

Moody makes early statement

There were plenty of eyebrows raised when the 49ers used one of their three third-round picks in this year's draft on a kicker.

But rookie Jake Moody, who did not kick in Wednesday's opening practice, could hardly have presented a better opening case to those who are not on board with the decision.

Moody was six for six on field goals, including one from 51 yards, with each of his kicks said to have cleared the crossbar with significant room to spare.

The value of spending a third-round pick on a kicker is still very much open for debate, but the ease with which Moody converted those attempts is exactly why the 49ers decided to do so. On drives that stall, Moody's leg and ability to hit long-range field goals opens opportunities for points that weren't necessarily there with Robbie Gould and his undoubtedly declining power at kicker.

There was more positive special teams news for the 49ers as punter Mitch Wishnowsky was activated from the Non-Football Injury List after passing a physical.

Having spent relatively high picks on both, the Niners will hope they now have the two main special teams positions covered for the long term, though that is dependent on Moody carrying an encouraging start into the regular season.

Brock Purdy back throwing at 49ers training camp

San Francisco’s QB1 is back at practice

Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports