San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is currently in concussion protocol, as confirmed by coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know:
Impact on San Francisco
In the event that Purdy is unable to play, Darnold will step in as the 49ers’ backup quarterback. Shanahan expressed full confidence in Darnold’s abilities. However, the team remains hopeful that Purdy will be cleared to play in time for the game. Shanahan even referenced last season’s Thursday night win at Seattle, where Purdy played with a broken rib after not practicing that week.
Purdy will still be able to participate in the 49ers’ walkthrough on Wednesday. — David Lombardi, 49ers writer
Reasons for Optimism
Purdy’s condition seemed to improve on Wednesday compared to the previous day. He will be allowed to take part in the walk-through portions of Wednesday’s practice, giving the team optimism that he may clear the concussion protocol in time for Sunday’s game against the Bengals. The fact that Purdy played well in a similar situation last season adds to the positive outlook. Despite his previous rib injury and limited practice, Purdy performed impressively, completing 17-of-26 passes for 217 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. — Matt Barrows, 49ers writer
Role of Darnold
If Purdy fails to clear the concussion protocol in time, Darnold will step in as the starting quarterback. Darnold has been running the scout-team offense and handling mop-up duty in previous games this season. The 49ers signed Darnold as a backup because they were impressed with his performance at the end of the 2022 season with the Carolina Panthers. In his six starts, Darnold threw seven touchdowns with three interceptions, leading the Panthers to a 4-2 record. The 49ers also noted that Darnold had a strong running game supporting him during those starts. If he starts on Sunday, Darnold will have a solid rushing attack at his disposal. Shanahan confirmed that Christian McCaffrey, Darnold’s former teammate in Carolina, will not be restricted in practice despite his oblique region soreness. — Barrows
Darnold’s Performance
Although the 49ers are currently on a two-game losing streak, Purdy still leads the NFL in Expected Points Added per dropback rate after Week 7, according to TruMedia. This indicates Purdy’s strong performance. Darnold, on the other hand, ranked third during the same span as the Carolina Panthers’ starter, placing him behind only Jared Goff and Patrick Mahomes. This may explain why the 49ers targeted Darnold as Purdy’s backup during the offseason. — Larry Holder, NFL senior writer
Possible Timing of the Injury
Purdy’s teammates did not notice any signs of injury during or after the game. Most of them were unaware of Purdy being in concussion protocol until they arrived at the team facility on Wednesday morning. It is suspected that the hit causing the concussion occurred during a fourth-quarter sneak, when Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks’ helmet collided with the front of Purdy’s. On the subsequent play, Purdy threw an interception down the middle of the field after losing sight of his target, Jauan Jennings. This was followed by another interception on the next drive, sealing the game. — Barrows
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(Photo: David Berding / Getty Images)
