The San Francisco 49ers’ challenging season continues as quarterback Brock Purdy has been ruled out for Sunday’s crucial matchup against the Green Bay Packers due to a concerning shoulder injury. This development comes at a critical time for the 49ers, who are locked in a tight NFC West race.
The situation took an unexpected turn during Thursday’s practice when Purdy experienced discomfort in his throwing shoulder during warmup throws. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed surprise at this development, noting that what initially seemed like a minor issue requiring rest has evolved into a more significant concern.
While MRI results suggest this isn’t a long-term issue, Purdy’s availability for upcoming games remains uncertain. This marks the first time since taking over as the 49ers’ starting quarterback in December 2022 that Purdy will miss a start due to injury. Purdy’s 2024 season statistics – 2,613 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions with a 95.9 passer rating – are a drop from the previous two seasons, but he remains in the upper echelon of the NFL quarterbacks.
The 49ers aren’t just dealing with Purdy’s absence. Their defensive anchor, Nick Bosa, is also sidelined with left hip and oblique injuries, while star left tackle Trent Williams remains questionable with an ankle issue. These multiple injuries to key players couldn’t come at a worse time for San Francisco, currently sitting at 5-5 and fighting for playoff positioning in the competitive NFC West.
Brandon Allen will step in as the starting quarterback against the Packers, with Joshua Dobbs serving as backup. Allen, primarily a career backup since being drafted in 2016, brings limited recent game experience to the table. His last start came in Week 18 of the 2021 season with Cincinnati.
The Packers will also be missing key defensive players, with cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) ruled out. This could create an interesting dynamic as both teams navigate significant roster adjustments.
Despite these challenges, Shanahan remains optimistic about his team’s chances: “We’re going to have 48 guys in uniform. I know our guys believe in themselves. I believe in them… We got a lot of good players out there.”
The 49ers will also be without cornerback Charvarius Ward, punt returner Jacob Cowing (concussion), linebacker Tatum Bethune (knee), and defensive lineman Kevin Givens (groin), adding to their roster challenges as they head into this crucial matchup at Lambeau Field.
