- NFL. The 49ers will face Packers without two of their superstars, coach Kyle Shanahan announced
- NFL. 49ers quarterback concerns take center stage before Packers matchup
The San Francisco 49ers are facing yet another challenge in a season already riddled with injuries. Star quarterback Brock Purdy has ed the growing list of sidelined players after experiencing shoulder discomfort last week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is now tasked with navigating this turbulent period using backup options, including Brandon Allen, who hasn't started a game since 2021. Allen is set to take the field against the Green Bay Packers, but optimism surrounding his performance is low.
49ers Insider Grant Cohn has weighed in on the team's quarterback situation, emphasizing the need for the Niners to identify their next standout QB. "I kind of like to see Tanner Mordecai. How do we know he's the next Brock Purdy? I think he might be, and I base that on nothing," Cohn remarked, adding that he was impressed by Mordecai's strong arm during training camp. While his assertion lacks concrete data, Cohn remains intrigued by the rookie's potential and hopes to see him in action soon.
Shanahan, on the other hand, has downplayed concerns about Purdy's shoulder injury, noting that MRI results didn't reveal anything alarming. However, the coach refrained from providing a definitive timeline for Purdy's return, leaving fans and analysts uncertain about his availability moving forward.
Key players missing ahead of crucial matchups
Shanahan explained that Purdy began experiencing discomfort on Thursday, prompting the team to pull him from practice as a precaution. "The fact that they don't want to see him on Sunday morning doesn't sound good," Cohn pointed out, signaling potential underlying concerns despite Shanahan's optimistic tone.
In addition to Purdy, the 49ers are grappling with injuries to other key players. Defensive stars Nick Bosa and Charvarious Ward are out, along with Jacob Cowing, Taytum Bethune, and Kevin Givens. Offensive linemen Trent Williams and Jon Feliciano remain questionable for the game.
With a 5-5 record and sitting at the bottom of the NFC West, the 49ers are in a precarious position as they prepare for back-to-back matchups against two formidable opponents: the 7-3 Packers and the 9-2 Bills.
As Shanahan works to adapt without Purdy and several other starters, this stretch will be a critical test for the team and its offensive strategy. Whether Brandon Allen or another backup can rise to the occasion remains to be seen.