The injuries on offense continue to pile up for the 49ers.
Quarterback Brock Purdy has entered into concussion protocol, according to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The team made the announcement on Wednesday. Backup QB Sam Darnold has taken over the starting reps at practice in the meantime.
Kyle Shanahan said Brock Purdy is now in concussion protocols.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 25, 2023
Purdy is the latest San Francisco starter to be hit with an injury. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel and offensive tackle Trent Williams both missed the 49ers' game last week, and Samuel is expected to be out again on Sunday. Running back Christian McCaffrey was questionable leading up to "Monday Night Football" before ultimately dressing for the contest.
MORE: How Christian McCaffrey broke NFL record with 16th straight game scoring a touchdown
After a five-game winning streak to start the season, the 49ers have dropped their last two games to move to 5-2 on the season. The 49ers are still regarded as one of the teams to beat in the NFC, but a long-term absence for Purdy could hurt the club.
San Francisco is scheduled to face Cincinnati at home on Sunday afternoon.
Here are the latest updates on Purdy.
Brock Purdy injury update
It is unclear what exactly caused Purdy to suffer a potential head injury. The QB did not exit the 49ers' "Monday Night Football" loss to the Vikings at any point, finishing the contest with 272 passing yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.
According to Shanahan, Purdy began feeling concussion-like symptoms on the plane ride back from Minnesota. He was placed into concussion protocol as a result.
#49ers QB Brock Purdy is in concussion protocol. Started having symptoms on the plane ride home.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 25, 2023
In the NFL, there is no set timeline for players in concussion protocol. It is strictly a case-by-case basis.
Will Brock Purdy play in Week 8?
The 49ers have not yet ruled out Purdy from playing this week, however, Darnold has been taking reps as the starter at practice.
Purdy would have to clear concussions protocol before he is eligible to return to game action. The lack of preparation would typically be a concern, however, Shanahan noted that Purdy had minimal practice in the week leading up to the Vikings game in Week 7, so it is doable.
Shanahan noted that Purdy barely practiced -- barely even threw the ball -- ahead of last week's game in Seattle and played well. He feels better today than he did yesterday. Team is holding out hope he'll be able to play vs. Bengals.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) October 25, 2023
ESPN's Adam Schefter made a note that certainly does not look good for Purdy's status. This year, no player that has been placed into concussion protocol has played in the same week.
Brock Purdy is now unlikely to play Sunday vs. the Bengals based on this trend: No NFL player placed into concussion protocol this season has played the same week. The last player to be in concussion protocol who played the same week was 2022, when Kenny Pickett had a concussion… https://t.co/vYWBmhIkoX
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 25, 2023
The last player to do so was Steelers QB Kenny Pickett last season, after he suffered a concussion, but was able to return the same week for Pittsburgh's game.
49ers QB depth chart
Behind Purdy is Darnold, who is in his first year with the organization. The 2018 No. 3 pick signed a one-year deal with the 49ers this offseason after spending 2022 with the Panthers.
Darnold was tabbed as the Jets' franchise QB when he was selected third overall in 2018, but he never lived up to expectations. After three seasons, he was traded to the Panthers once the Jets drafted Zach Wilson second overall in 2021.
The 26-year-old USC product has made four appearances so far this year, but all have come late in blowouts. In total, he has just one passing attempt on the season, which was completed for one yard.
Third on the depth chart is Brandon Allen. The 31-year-old signal caller is also in his first season with the 49ers. He broke into the league in 2019 with the Broncos before spending the last three seasons in Cincinnati as the backup to Bengals starter Joe Burrow.
| Rank | QB |
| No. 1 | Brock Purdy |
| No. 2 | Sam Darnold |
| No. 3 | Brandon Allen |
