The final week of the 2024 NFL preseason resumed on Friday, with the Jacksonville Jaguars defeating the Atlanta Falcons 31-0, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers knocking off the Miami Dolphins 24-14 and the San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders ending in a tie, 24-24.
Here are some takeaways from the action, including a vibing Jaguars offense, a highly contested backup quarterback battle and the potential return of a big-name holdout.
Brandon Aiyuk traveled with 49ers, and QB Brock Purdy could use him
The 49ers wideout, entrenched in a contract dispute with the team, traveled to Las Vegas but didn’t play. The fact that he’s around offers some promise that a deal might be close, which is good news for San Francisco’s offense.
According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports, there are no guarantees, but the “optics suggest” the 49ers and Aiyuk will come to an agreement soon. That should be music to Purdy’s ears after not a poor but sometimes underwhelming preseason.
Protected largely by backups Friday against the Raiders, Purdy made a handful of on-point throws. But, he made several poor decisions, staring down a slant pattern resulting in an interception while taking four hits, several of which may have been his responsibility.
Purdy finished the preseason 11-of-18 for 107 yards with no touchdowns and one pick. These games don’t count, but the third-year QB could clearly use Aiyuk back on the field.
