Quarterback Shakeup: 49ers Turn to Brandon Allen as Injuries Mount Before Crucial Packers Showdown
In a dramatic turn of events for the San Francisco 49ers, Brandon Allen will step into the spotlight as the starting quarterback against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, marking his first start since 2021. This unexpected change comes as Brock Purdy deals with persistent soreness in his right shoulder, adding to the team’s mounting challenges.
“It’s an opportunity,” Allen told reporters on Friday, embodying the team’s next-man-up philosophy. “The circumstances are what they are, but our team has been dealing with injuries all year. I’m ready to go out there, play well, and put our guys in a good position to win.”
The 32-year-old veteran’s promotion is critical for the 5-5 49ers, who find themselves in an increasingly precarious position in their playoff hunt. Adding to their concerns, the team will be without star defensive end Nick Bosa, sidelined with left hip and oblique issues.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed surprise at the sudden quarterback change. “This is something we didn’t expect early in the week,” he revealed. “We were fully preparing for Brock to go, and yesterday’s developments caught us off guard.” Despite these setbacks, Shanahan maintains optimism: “We’ve got a lot of good players out there. By no means do we not have a chance to win.”
Allen’s journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. A former Arkansas Razorback under Bret Bielema’s leadership, he’s bounced around the NFL since being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016. His career statistics tell the story of a reliable backup: 56.7% completion rate, 1,611 yards, ten touchdowns, and six interceptions across 16 games.
The timing couldn’t be more crucial for the 49ers. They’re facing a surging Packers team at Lambeau Field, and their playoff hopes are hanging in the balance. Allen’s familiarity with the system could prove vital.
“I feel very comfortable in the offense,” he assured. “Going back to last year, and through this year, just being in the system, calling the plays, seeing them play out – I feel at home.”
The team’s injury woes extend beyond Purdy and Bosa. Left tackle Trent Williams remains questionable with an ankle issue, while cornerback Charvarius Ward will miss his third straight game. However, there’s a silver lining: Tight end George Kittle is cleared to return from his hamstring injury.
Joshua Dobbs will serve as Allen’s backup, with practice squad member Tanner Mordecai providing additional depth at quarterback. Purdy will travel with the team to Green Bay, though Bosa will remain in San Francisco for treatment.
As the 49ers prepare for this pivotal matchup, the spotlight falls on Brandon Allen, whose last NFL start resulted in a loss with the Bengals in 2021. Now, with the weight of San Francisco’s playoff hopes partially on his shoulders, he can write a new chapter in his journeyman career.
“It’s my opportunity now, so I’ll take advantage of it,” Allen stated firmly. “Those things don’t cross your mind. How long will you play? There’s guys older than me still playing.”
The 49ers’ resilience will be tested this Sunday as they face the Packers with their reshuffled lineup. Whether Allen can rise to the occasion and keep their postseason dreams alive remains one of the NFL’s most compelling storylines heading into Week 12.