Brock Purdy limited with shoulder injury, status of 49ers vs. Packers in question

On November 23, 2024By Littum

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Brock Purdy missed all but the early part of Thursday’s practice because of a sore throwing shoulder, raising the possibility he could miss his first-ever start with an injury since taking over as the 49ers’ quarterback in 2022 .

Purdy suffered a blow to the shoulder during Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He didn’t mention it after the game, and it was hard to tell if it bothered him during the contest. He completed 75 percent of his throws, but did not attempt any passes beyond 20 yards. Kyle Shanahan said the lack of a deep passing game was due to the Seahawks’ two-deep coverage that encouraged shorter attempts.

“As far as his throw, I didn’t see anything that looked different and he didn’t complain about it in any way to me,” Shanahan said Thursday on his weekly radio interview on KNBR.

Purdy was limited in Wednesday’s light practice, going through the motions with the rest of the quarterbacks but never throwing the ball. He was also officially limited in Thursday’s session, though his practice was limited to a few short throws before disappearing into the team’s weight room.

“He didn’t do as much yesterday (and) did a little bit more today, but he didn’t do his normal workload by any means,” Shanahan said. “(He) went out there and did a little bit and went back about halfway and rested his arm up and just continued to get his rehab. Hopefully it’ll feel good on Sunday.”

Purdy also did not speak to reporters after Thursday’s practice, the place where the 49ers’ starting quarterback usually takes the podium. The 49ers said the starting quarterback — whoever he is — will speak on Friday.

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Purdy has suffered multiple injuries since filling in for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 13 two seasons ago. He hurt his ribs in the next game and notably didn’t practice during the week, then worked his way through a Thursday night in Seattle.

He tore an elbow ligament in the NFC Championship game that season, but returned earlier than expected to start the 2023 opener in Pittsburgh. He suffered a concussion in a Week 7 loss at Minnesota, but started the following week against the Cincinnati Bengals. The only start he missed was last year’s meaningless season finale, a game in which multiple starters sat out.

Christian McCaffrey said he wasn’t concerned about Purdy missing most of practice.

“For me, I’ve never worried about who’s in, especially on Thursday in practice,” he said. “I’ve seen enough guys not practice all week and go out and play incredible games. He’s going to go about his business, we’re all going to go about our business and just try to focus on playing one play at a time and being where I need to be.”

If Purdy is unable to play Sunday in Green Bay, backup Brandon Allen would get his first start in three years. He started three games for the Denver Broncos in 2019 and five for the Bengals the following season. The last time he was on the field to start a game was the Bengals’ season finale in 2021. He was 15 of 29 for 136 yards and a touchdown in that game. He is 2-7 in the games he has started. Allen declined an interview in his locker after Thursday’s practice

Allen served as the 49ers’ no. 3 quarterback behind Purdy and Sam Darnold last year and has come on the field just once this season — for a kneeling snap at the end of a Week 1 win over the New York Jets.

Allen and newcomer Joshua Dobbs battled for the No. 2 during training camp. Dobbs appeared to be more aggressive with his throws and was arguably the more talented runner. The 49ers lost Allen for his efficiency and familiarity with the offense. Both have served as San Francisco’s scout-team quarterback — the one who mimics prospective opponents in practice — this season.

If Allen starts, Dobbs will serve as the No. 1 quarterback. 2 in Green Bay. The 49ers could also use rookie Tanner Mordecai, who is on the practice squad, as an emergency third quarterback.

Purdy, McCaffrey (Achilles, rest) and George Kittle (hamstring) were limited participants in Thursday’s practice. Nick Bosa (hip/oblique) and Trent Williams (ankle) were among the 49ers who did not practice, and Shanahan said both would be game-time decisions on Sunday.

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(Photo: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)