Brock Purdy Set to Return for 49ers, but Key Players Remain Sidelined
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for a crucial Sunday night showdown against the Buffalo Bills, and it looks like quarterback Brock Purdy will be back under center. After missing last week’s 38-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers due to a sore right (throwing) shoulder, Purdy has made enough progress to be listed as questionable but is expected to play barring any setbacks, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
“Lots of things can happen between now and then,” Shanahan said. “But right now he’s playing. He’s doing good. Had a good day.”
Purdy’s Road to Recovery
Purdy’s absence last week was a significant blow to the 49ers, but the young quarterback has been steadily improving. He began light throwing on Monday and participated in limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. By Friday, he was a full participant, signaling his readiness to return to action. Backup quarterback Brandon Allen stepped up during Purdy’s recovery, earning recognition as one of the team’s “scout team players of the week.”
While Purdy’s return is a boost for the 49ers, the team will still be without several key players, leaving them with a tough challenge against a strong Bills squad.
Key Players Ruled Out
The 49ers’ injury report is a long one, and it includes some big names. Left tackle Trent Williams (left ankle), defensive end Nick Bosa (left hip and oblique), cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (knee), guard Aaron Banks (concussion), and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (concussion) have all been ruled out for Sunday’s game. Additionally, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who is recovering from a torn left Achilles, will not be activated despite his practice window opening this week.
Williams’ absence will be particularly felt, as this will be his second consecutive missed game. He was seen in the locker room earlier this week using a scooter to keep his left foot and ankle elevated. Without Williams and Banks, the 49ers will once again rely on Jaylon Moore at left tackle and likely Spencer Burford to fill in at guard.
Lenoir, a new addition to the injury report, suffered a knee injury during last week’s loss to the Packers. He did not participate in any practices this week, making his absence another blow to the 49ers’ defense.
A Silver Lining: Charvarius Ward Returns
Amid the injury woes, the 49ers will welcome back cornerback Charvarius Ward, who has not played since October 27 due to personal reasons. Ward has been grieving the loss of his 1-year-old daughter but returned to practice this week as a full participant. Shanahan expressed optimism about Ward’s return, saying, “We expect him to play. He had a good week of practice… Excited to get him back out there.”
What’s at Stake?
The 49ers are in a precarious position as they prepare to face the Bills. With a depleted roster and coming off a tough loss, they’ll need to dig deep to stay competitive in the NFC playoff race. Here’s a quick breakdown of the challenges they face:
- Offensive Line Shuffle: The absence of Williams and Banks means the 49ers’ offensive line will need to adjust quickly to protect Purdy and establish the run game.
- Defensive Gaps: Missing key players like Bosa and Lenoir could leave the defense vulnerable against Buffalo’s high-powered offense.
- Emotional Boost: Ward’s return could provide a much-needed morale lift for the team.
As the 49ers prepare for Sunday night, all eyes will be on Purdy to see if he can lead the team to a bounce-back performance. With the playoffs looming, every game counts, and the 49ers will need to overcome their injury setbacks to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Originally Written by: Nick Wagoner
