SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers are facing a challenging matchup against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, as they will play without two key players: starting quarterback Brock Purdy and defensive end Nick Bosa. Both were officially ruled out on Friday due to injuries, just as the team prepared to travel to Wisconsin.
Purdy is dealing with soreness in his right shoulder, while Bosa is sidelined with issues affecting his left hip and oblique. Coach Kyle Shanahan announced that veteran Brandon Allen will step in as the starting quarterback, with Josh Dobbs ready to provide backup.
The 5-5 49ers are in urgent need of a win to stay in contention for the postseason, making the absence of these significant players even more acute. Shanahan acknowledged the challenges posed by losing such crucial team members but emphasized the depth of talent on the roster. “We’re missing two good players, definitely,” he stated. “But we’ve got a lot of good players out there. By no means do we not have a chance to win. We’re going to fight our tails off and expect this to be a real good game.”
Purdy was a limited participant in practice earlier in the week and was expected to improve. However, his situation took a turn when he was unable to continue his warmup on Thursday, prompting the team to reevaluate his status for Sunday’s game. Shanahan noted that an MRI performed on Monday showed no structural damage, though he remains uncertain about when Purdy will be able to return to action.
On the defensive front, Bosa’s absence will be felt given his impact on the field. Bosa had been managing ongoing injuries, and after a particularly tough performance against Seattle last week, he expressed doubt about his ability to play against the Packers. Meanwhile, cornerback Charvarius Ward will also miss the game, as he continues to focus on recovering from personal loss.
Although left tackle Trent Williams is also facing injury concerns, his status will remain unclear until just before kickoff, leaving fans hoping for a last-minute decision in his favor. On a positive note, tight end George Kittle, who missed the previous game due to a hamstring issue, is cleared to play.
The 49ers’ ability to adapt and rise up in the face of adversity, particularly with their “next-man-up” mentality, offers a bright perspective for fans. With Brandon Allen ready to seize the opportunity, the team hopes to showcase its resilience and secure a crucial victory against Green Bay.