Purdy practices for the 49ers, indicating that he will play against the Bengals.
Purdy practices for the 49ers, a positive indicator he’ll play against the Bengals originally aired on NBC Sports Bay Area.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — A encouraging sign for the 49ers came one day after it was revealed quarterback Brock Purdy was in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Purdy was on the field doing individual work when the 49ers opened practice on Thursday.
It indicates that he is advancing through the NFL’s protocol and appears to be on track to participate in the 49ers’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
Purdy has enough time to be cleared to play against the Bengals, according to coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday. If Purdy is unable to play, backup Sam Darnold will make his first start for the 49ers.
Purdy first reported concussion symptoms on the 49ers’ return flight from Minnesota late Monday night.
“He started getting symptoms on the plane,” Shanahan explained on Wednesday. “We found out when we landed.” We were all sound sleeping. Then he got checked out (Tuesday), and he’s currently in the protocol.”
Purdy appears to have progressed at least to the fourth of five phases of the NFL’s return-to-play process. The fourth stage is defined as “club-based non-contact training drills,” during which a player may engage in non-contact football activities such as throwing.
Purdy was spotted rolling out and throwing passes on the 49ers’ practice field. Purdy could get full clearance as soon as Friday or Saturday, according to reports.
Purdy was presumably hurt during a quarterback sneak attempt in the fourth quarter of the 49ers’ 22-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, when Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks delivered a helmet-to-helmet blow on Purdy as he struggled for a first down. If the NFL believes Hicks’ actions were unnecessary, he might face a fine.
Purdy threw a costly interception two plays later, ending a 49ers touchdown threat. Purdy threw his second interception in the last minute, and defensive back Camryn Bynum collected his second pick to secure the Vikings’ triumph.
