Who will replace Brock Purdy if he misses the San Francisco 49ers’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals?
Though they still lead the NFC West, the 49ers may have to navigate their Week 8 game without their starting signal caller, and that’s not good news.
From his start as a backup to establishing himself as a top-tier quarterback, it’s been quite a ride for the Niners’ quarterback, and that was before he missed an extended period of time due to injury and subsequent surgery. With his status now up in the air, the team has got to review its options.
Brock Purdy could miss Week 8′s game vs Bengals
According to comments from head coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday, the San Francisco 49ers could be without starting quarterback, Brock Purdy, for their Week 8 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. As per reports, Purdy has entered the league’s concussion protocol. It is understood that Purdy began to experience concussion-like symptoms during the team’s flight back to San Francisco after the 22-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. For his part, Purdy completed 21 of 30 passes for 272 yards, one touchdown, and two fourth-quarter interceptions during the defeat that dropped the 49ers to a record of 5-2.
#49ers QB Brock Purdy is in concussion protocol. Started having symptoms on the plane ride home.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 25, 2023
Who will replace Brock Purdy if he can’t play?
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Should it come to pass that Purdy can’t play against the Bengals, the team will almost certainly turn to backup Sam Darnold. For the purpose of context, the Niners have a record of 9-29 across games in which Purdy or former quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, have not started. That’s to say, based on history, this is not an ideal situation.
The San Francisco 49ers Sam Darnold is expected to make his first start of the season with Brock Purdy in concussion protocol. pic.twitter.com/XgsoCiJsfm
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) October 25, 2023
What’s more is that the 49ers have now lost two consecutive games after being one of the only undefeated teams in the league, and on a run of 15 regular season wins. Across the first five games of the campaign, Purdy threw nine touchdowns and zero interceptions, however, in the last two games he posted two touchdowns and three interceptions. At this point, it remains unclear as to whether the 23-year-old will take the field, but what is certain is that regardless of whether he’s there or not, the Niners can’t afford to slip any further.