San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy cleared concussion protocol, the team announced Saturday, and he’s expected to start Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Here’s what you need to know:
- Purdy entered concussion protocol earlier this week after he showed concussion symptoms on the plane ride home from his team’s 22-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.
- Purdy didn’t practice Wednesday, was limited Thursday and was full-go at Friday’s session. He was listed as “questionable” on Friday, with one step of the protocol left to clear.
- San Fransisco (5-2) sits atop the NFC West and hosts Cincinnati (3-3), which sits last in the AFC North, in the Week 8 matchup.
Backstory
Purdy’s teammates said they didn’t notice anything wrong with the quarterback during the 49ers game against the Vikings or after it, and most didn’t know he was in the concussion protocol until they arrived at the team facility Wednesday. The hit that caused the concussion may have occurred on a fourth quarter sneak on which the crown of Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks’ helmet slammed into the front of Purdy’s. On the next play, Purdy threw down the middle of the field on a pass that was intercepted by safety Camryn Bynum.
Purdy said afterward that he lost sight of his target, Jauan Jennings, on the play and threw to the spot he thought Jennings would be. Purdy also threw an interception on the following drive, which sealed the game.
On Friday, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Purdy would “definitely” start against the Bengals if he was cleared Saturday, and Sam Darnold would start if Purdy wasn’t cleared.
Purdy holds the second-highest passer rating in the NFL this season at 107.2. He’s thrown for 1,668 yards with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions this season.
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(Photo: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
