San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has been making strides in his recovery from a concussion and has a realistic chance of starting in Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Although he has not yet cleared concussion protocol, Purdy has passed four out of the five required steps. He participated in practice on a limited basis on Thursday and was a full participant in Friday’s session. With just one step left to clear, Purdy will attempt to pass the final stage of the protocol on Saturday. If he successfully completes it, he will be cleared to start the game, as confirmed by coach Kyle Shanahan.
The Importance of the Final Step
The final step of the concussion protocol involves being cleared for full contact by the team physician and being examined by an independent neurological consultant. Only if both medical professionals agree that Purdy’s concussion has resolved, he will be allowed to play against the Bengals. Purdy seemingly sustained the injury during a quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter of Monday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings when he collided helmet-to-helmet with linebacker Jordan Hicks. Despite the injury, Purdy finished the game, albeit with two interceptions in the closing moments.
Throughout the week, Purdy has steadily progressed through the concussion protocol. On Wednesday’s practice, he had to be held out of certain parts of the session where the team wore helmets, although it was a walkthrough. By Thursday, Purdy had advanced further in the protocol and was able to practice on a limited basis. Friday’s practice marked his return as a full participant, which is typically a lighter session. Purdy’s performance and recovery have impressed his backup, Sam Darnold, who has also experienced a similar situation in the past.
Darnold’s Supportive Role
Darnold, who would start if Purdy is unable to clear the final step of the protocol, expressed confidence in both his abilities and Purdy’s recovery. He mentioned that he had received a few reps with the starters during the week, but Purdy had primarily taken on the workload. Darnold emphasized the need to stay prepared to step in at any moment during the game, whether from the beginning or in the middle. Drawing from his own experience, Darnold recalled going through a similar situation in 2021 when he sustained a concussion but returned to play the following week.
Besides Purdy’s concussion, the Niners also have concerns regarding left tackle Trent Williams, who has been dealing with a right ankle sprain. Williams did not practice for the third consecutive day on Friday, and his availability for Sunday remains uncertain. If Williams is unable to play for the second week in a row, Jaylon Moore will be his replacement. Shanahan acknowledged Williams’ veteran status and trusted his ability to play without practicing. The decision about his participation could be made closer to game time, taking into account the upcoming bye week.
Hope for Deebo Samuel’s Return
In addition to Purdy and Williams, the Niners are eagerly awaiting the return of wide receiver Deebo Samuel from a hairline fracture in his shoulder. Samuel will not be playing this week but is making progress towards recovery, according to Shanahan. The team is hopeful that Samuel will be back on the field sooner rather than later.
Brock Purdy’s ongoing recovery from a concussion has shown positive signs, increasing the likelihood of him starting in Sunday’s game. The Niners will closely monitor his progress as he attempts to clear the final step of the protocol. Meanwhile, the team also faces injury concerns with Trent Williams and hopes for the swift return of Deebo Samuel. As game day approaches, the Niners will make crucial decisions regarding player availability, considering the upcoming bye week and the importance of player safety.
Leave a Reply