Brock Purdy missed all but the early portion of Thursday’s practice due to a sore throwing shoulder, raising the possibility he could miss his first-ever start due to injury since taking over as 49ers quarterback in 2022.
Purdy took a hit to the shoulder during Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He did not mention it after the game and it was hard to tell if it bothered him during the contest. He completed 75 percent of his throws but did not attempt any passes beyond 20 yards. Kyle Shanahan said the lack of a deep passing game was due to the Seahawks’ two-deep coverage that encouraged shorter attempts.
“In terms of his throws, I didn’t see anything that looked any different and he didn’t complain about that in any way to me,” Shanahan said Thursday on his weekly radio interview on KNBR.
Purdy was limited in Wednesday’s light practice, going through the motions alongside the rest of the quarterbacks but never actually throwing the ball. He was officially limited in Thursday’s session, too, although his practice was restricted to a few short throws before disappearing into the team’s weight room.
“He didn’t do as much yesterday (and) did a little bit more today, but by no means was he doing his normal workload,” Shanahan said. “(He) went out there and did a little bit and went back in about halfway through and rested his arm up and just continued to get his rehab. Hopefully it will be feeling great on Sunday.”
Purdy also did not speak to reporters after Thursday’s practice, the slot when the 49ers’ starting quarterback usually takes the podium. The 49ers said the starting quarterback – whoever he is – will talk on Friday.
Purdy has suffered several injuries since coming in for injured Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 13 two seasons ago. He hurt his ribs in the next game, notably didn’t practice during the week, then gritted his way through a Thursday night game in Seattle.
He tore an elbow ligament in the NFC Championship game that season but came back earlier than expected and started the 2023 opener in Pittsburgh. He suffered a concussion in a Week 7 loss in Minnesota but started the following week against the Cincinnati Bengals. The only start he’s missed was last year’s meaningless season finale, a game a number of starters sat out.
Christian McCaffrey said he wasn’t alarmed that Purdy missed most of practice.
“For me, I’ve never worried about who’s in, especially on Thursday in practice,” he said. “I’ve seen enough guys not practice all week and go out and have incredible games. He’ll handle his business, we’ll all handle ours and just try to focus in on playing one play at a time and being where I’m supposed to be.”
If Purdy’s not able to play Sunday in Green Bay, backup Brandon Allen would get his first start in three years. He started three games for the Denver Broncos in 2019 and five for the Bengals the following season. The last time he was on the field to begin a game was the Bengals’ 2021 season finale. He was 15 of 29 for 136 yards and one touchdown in that game. He’s 2-7 in the games he’s started. Allen declined an interview at his locker after Thursday’s practice
Allen served as the 49ers’ No. 3 quarterback behind Purdy and Sam Darnold last year and has gotten on the field just once this season – for a kneel-down snap at the end of a Week 1 win over the New York Jets.
Allen and newcomer Joshua Dobbs battled for the No. 2 role during training camp. Dobbs seemed to be more aggressive with his throws and was undoubtedly the more talented runner. The 49ers tapped Allen for his efficiency and familiarity with the offense. Both have served as San Francisco’s scout-team quarterback – the one who mimics upcoming opponents in practice – this season.
If Allen starts, Dobbs would serve as the No. 2 quarterback in Green Bay. The 49ers also could tap rookie Tanner Mordecai, who’s on the practice squad, as the emergency third quarterback.
Purdy, McCaffrey (Achilles, rest) and George Kittle (hamstring) were limited participants in Thursday’s practice. Nick Bosa (hip/oblique) and Trent Williams (ankle) were among the 49ers who didn’t practice and Shanahan said both would be game-time decisions on Sunday.