Brock Purdy concussion protocol: Will the 49ers QB play against Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8?

Purdy will be monitored from day to day before being given the green light to play against the Bengals. 

Brock Purdy concussion protocol: Will the 49ers QB play against Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8?

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (Image via IMAGO)

Brock Purdy could miss the Week 8 clash against the Cincinnati Bengals. The San Francisco 49ers front office has decided to put him on concussion protocol following a bang during the Minnesota Vikings game on Monday night.

According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, the 23-year-old showed signs of mild concussions on the flight back to the Bay Area. On Wednesday, he had a light workout session and reportedly felt fine. However, he will be under strict surveillance and must clear several protocols in order to play against Cincinnati.

A video shared on X could be the moment when Purdy suffered the blow. With six and a half minutes to go in the fourth quarter on 4th and 1, the San Francisco 49ers went for a quarterback sneak. Purdy got the first down but ended up under a pile of bodies.

FS Video

It’s merely speculation, but his game took a massive drop after that snap. He only managed two completions for the rest of the game from six attempts. Despite a spotless game up to that point with 252 yards and 1 touchdown, he threw 2 interceptions after the alleged knock, which turned the game in Minnesota’s favor.

Even so, Shanahan has faith in his second-year signal caller. In the post-practice press conference, he revealed that Purdy still has a chance to make it for Sunday’s game. Shanahan said:

He definitely has enough time. He just has to go through the process.

This won’t be the first occasion the Iowa State graduate would play, despite speculations of not being fit to start. Last year, Purdy played a Thursday night fixture against Seattle, even though he had not practiced prior to the game because of injured ribs.

Who could replace Brock Purdy if he is deemed unfit to play against the Cincinnati Bengals?

Now that Trey Lance is not with the 49ers if Brock Purdy fails to make it to Sunday’s game, then they will turn to Sam Darnold. Lance became the third choice during the offseason and was offloaded to Dallas.

Brock Purdy concussion protocol: Will the 49ers QB compete against Joe Burrow's Bengals in Week 8?
Sam Darnold and Brock Purdy (Image via Sports Illustrated)

Darnold has yet to take a snap this season, but Shanahan is confident that the 26-year-old is ready. 

I have confidence in Sam. He was great in the offseason and great in these seven weeks and is ready to go.
Shanahan said as per the San Francisco 49ers website.

The former No. 3 overall pick has 55 games under his belt. He also boasts a 78.2 passer rating, having thrown at least 1,000 passes since he entered the league in 2018. But Darnold has managed to win over his teammates.

He’s accurate, a decisive thrower, and good with his reads. I expect him to go out there and put up some points.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward told NBC Sports Bay Area.

Darnold played for the Carolina Panthers last season. He signed a one-year, $5.7 million contract in the offseason. Incidentally, that’s six times more than what Brock Purdy currently earns.

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