49ers Face Major Setbacks: Purdy and Bosa Out, Allen to Start at QB
The San Francisco 49ers are heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers with some serious challenges. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Friday that quarterback Brandon Allen will get the start in place of an injured Brock Purdy. But that’s not all—the team will also be without star defensive end Nick Bosa, who is sidelined with injuries to his left hip and oblique. To make matters even more uncertain, left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision.
For 49ers fans, this is a tough pill to swallow. This will mark the first time Purdy has missed a start due to injury since he took over as the team’s quarterback back in December 2022. The timing couldn’t be worse, as the 49ers are looking to bounce back from last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. With Purdy dealing with soreness in his right (throwing) shoulder, Shanahan had initially labeled him as day-to-day earlier in the week. However, it seems the team has decided to play it safe and give him time to recover.
Who is Brandon Allen?
So, who exactly is Brandon Allen, the man stepping into Purdy’s shoes? Allen has been in the league since 2016, when he was drafted in the sixth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Over the years, he’s made nine regular-season starts—three with the Denver Broncos in 2019 and six with the Cincinnati Bengals between 2020 and 2021. While he’s been with the 49ers since 2023, this will be his first start for San Francisco. Up until now, Allen has primarily been running the scout team in practice, helping the defense prepare for games.
It’s safe to say that Allen will have his work cut out for him. The Packers’ defense isn’t exactly a walk in the park, and with key players like Bosa and potentially Williams out, the 49ers will need to dig deep to stay competitive. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that Allen has experience stepping into tough situations. But will that be enough to keep the 49ers’ playoff hopes alive? Only time will tell.
Injury Woes Continue for the 49ers
Nick Bosa’s absence is another massive blow for the 49ers. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is a cornerstone of San Francisco’s defense, and his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks is unmatched. Without him, the 49ers will need other players to step up and fill the void. Shanahan didn’t provide a timeline for Bosa’s return, but fans will be hoping it’s sooner rather than later.
As for Trent Williams, his status remains up in the air. The veteran left tackle is a critical piece of the 49ers’ offensive line, and his presence would undoubtedly make life easier for Allen. Shanahan described Williams as a game-time decision, so his availability likely won’t be known until just before kickoff.
What’s Next for the 49ers?
With so many key players out, the 49ers are facing an uphill battle against the Packers. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to watch for on Sunday:
- Brandon Allen’s Performance: Can he rise to the occasion and lead the 49ers to victory?
- Defensive Adjustments: How will the 49ers compensate for the loss of Nick Bosa?
- Trent Williams’ Status: Will the veteran tackle be able to suit up and provide some much-needed stability on the offensive line?
Adding to the intrigue, Joshua Dobbs will serve as the backup quarterback on Sunday. While Dobbs has shown flashes of potential in the past, the hope is that Allen can stay healthy and avoid any further disruptions to the 49ers’ game plan.
For now, all eyes are on Sunday’s game. The 49ers have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL over the past few seasons, but injuries are threatening to derail their momentum. Can they overcome these setbacks and keep their playoff hopes alive? Or will the Packers take advantage of a depleted San Francisco roster? One thing’s for sure: this game is shaping up to be a must-watch for NFL fans.
Originally Written by: Nick Wagoner
