The San Francisco 49ers are feeling hopeful about the potential recovery of quarterback Brock Purdy ahead of their Week 13 game against the Buffalo Bills, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Internal sources suggest that the team is not overly concerned about Purdy’s shoulder soreness, which prevented him from participating in the recent game against the Green Bay Packers.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the situation on Friday, stating that while the team conducted an MRI on Purdy the previous Monday, they initially only anticipated needing some rest for him. Shanahan noted they were surprised by how Purdy’s shoulder felt during practice on Thursday, which led to the decision to hold him out.
Although Shanahan indicated that there is no long-term concern at this stage, he did add that Purdy’s status for the upcoming week remains uncertain.
In light of Purdy’s injury, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport mentioned that the 49ers might explore the possibility of acquiring former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. Given that the team is currently sitting at a 5-5 record and tied for second place in the NFC West, the 49ers must ensure they have a reliable quarterback to maintain their playoff hopes, especially considering the injury struggles the team has faced this season.
As a result of Purdy’s sidelining, Brandon Allen will start in his place, backed by Joshua Dobbs. However, both Allen and Dobbs are somewhat unproven; Allen’s last start came in 2021, and he has accumulated modest career stats. Similarly, Dobbs’ performances have shown inconsistency despite having a high usage role last season.
While Daniel Jones has had his own set of challenges, the 49ers may see him as a viable option if Purdy’s shoulder issue persists.
This situation showcases the unpredictability of the NFL, where player health can significantly impact a team’s trajectory. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the 49ers navigate these quarterback challenges and what impact this ultimately has on their playoff aspirations.