Breaking: Brock Purdy’s Shoulder Concerns Cast Shadow Over Crucial Packers Matchup
The San Francisco 49ers face mounting uncertainty as star quarterback Brock Purdy deals with a concerning shoulder issue ahead of Sunday’s pivotal clash against the Green Bay Packers.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan provided updates on the developing situation, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the team’s quarterback plans for Week 12.
Limited Practice Participation Raises Red Flags
Purdy’s right shoulder soreness, which emerged following the Week 11 loss to Seattle, has significantly impacted his practice schedule. On Thursday, the young quarterback managed only light throwing exercises before making an early exit from the field, sparking fresh concerns about his availability for Sunday’s game.
“He was still limited today,” Shanahan revealed in a KNBR radio interview. “He went out there and did a little bit, then went back about halfway through and rested up.” The coach hopes Purdy will feel ” great on Sunday,” though the quarterback’s reduced workload tells a different story.
Backup Plans Take Shape
Should Purdy be unable to start, the 49ers would likely turn to Brandon Allen, a veteran backup with nine NFL starts. Allen’s experience includes:
- Three starts with the Denver Broncos (2019)
- Six stars for the Cincinnati Bengals (2020-2021)
- Serving as the 49ers’ scout team quarterback since 2023
Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen expressed confidence in Allen’s abilities: “He’s been in the league a long time. He’s played in a lot of systems. He’s got a great arm. He’s a good quarterback.”
Timeline of Events
The situation has evolved rapidly over the past week:
- Monday: Purdy first appears on the injury report
- Wednesday: Limited practice participation, no throwing during the open portion
- Thursday: Brief throwing session before early exit
- Friday: The final practice session will be crucial for determining Sunday’s status
Wider Team Health Concerns
The quarterback situation isn’t the only health concern for the 49ers. Key players Nick Bosa (hip/oblique) and Trent Williams (ankle) have also missed practice time this week. Shanahan indicated both players’ status might remain uncertain until kickoff, following a similar pattern to last week’s game preparations.
Impact on Sunday’s Game
The timing couldn’t be more critical for the 49ers. Coming off a disappointing 20-17 loss to Seattle, where the offense posted its lowest yardage total since Week 6 of 2023, the team needs all hands on deck for the Green Bay matchup.
While Shanahan doesn’t believe the shoulder affected Purdy’s performance against Seattle, the developing situation raises questions about the quarterback’s effectiveness moving forward.
Looking Ahead
The 49ers’ Friday practice session will be telling. A full practice participation from Purdy would ease concerns, while a “questionable” designation would likely keep fans guessing until 90 minutes before kickoff when inactives are announced.
Shanahan and the coaching staff face a delicate balance – managing their young quarterback’s health while preparing for a crucial late-season matchup that could have significant playoff implications. The coming days will reveal whether Purdy can overcome this latest challenge or if the 49ers must rely on their backup plan.