The San Francisco 49ers have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their crucial Week 12 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. According to sources close to the team, starting quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday’s game due to a shoulder injury, thrusting backup Brandon Allen into the spotlight.
Purdy’s Injury Leaves 49ers Scrambling
Brock Purdy, who has been a revelation for the 49ers since taking over as the starter in December 2022, has been dealing with soreness in his right throwing shoulder. The injury first appeared on the team’s injury report following their loss to the Seattle Seahawks last week, with Purdy listed as day-to-day.
However, as the week progressed, it became clear that Purdy’s shoulder wasn’t responding as well as the team had hoped. Despite being limited in practice throughout the week, the 49ers have ultimately decided to err on the side of caution and sit their young star for this critical NFC showdown.
Allen Steps Into the Breach
With Purdy sidelined, the 49ers will turn to veteran journeyman Brandon Allen to lead the offense against the Packers. Allen, who joined the 49ers in 2023, has started nine games over his NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, and Cincinnati Bengals.
“Brandon has been running the scout team for us and has a good grasp of the offense,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said in a press conference. “We have confidence in his ability to step in and lead us to a win.”
– Kyle Shanahan, 49ers Head Coach
Allen’s most extensive action came in 2020 and 2021 with the Bengals, where he started six games in relief of an injured Joe Burrow. While his record as a starter is just 2-7, Allen has shown flashes of competence and should have a firm grasp of Shanahan’s complex offensive scheme.
More Injury Woes for San Francisco
Purdy isn’t the only key player the 49ers will be missing on Sunday. Star defensive end Nick Bosa, a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, has been ruled out with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Bosa’s absence will be a massive blow to a 49ers defense that relies heavily on his pass-rushing prowess.
To make matters worse, All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams is listed as questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision. Losing Williams would be a significant hit to an offensive line already tasked with protecting a backup quarterback.
Implications for the NFC Playoff Picture
The 49ers’ matchup with the Packers was already shaping up to be one of the most consequential games of Week 12, with both teams jockeying for playoff positioning in a crowded NFC. The winner would have the inside track to a first-round bye, while the loser could find themselves battling for a wild-card spot.
Purdy’s injury, coupled with the potential absences of Bosa and Williams, has thrown a wrench into the 49ers’ plans. While Allen is a capable backup, there’s no denying that the 49ers’ offense is at its most dangerous with Purdy under center. His ability to extend plays and make throws on the move has added a new dimension to Shanahan’s scheme.
The Packers, meanwhile, will undoubtedly be licking their chops at the prospect of facing a depleted 49ers squad. Green Bay has been one of the hottest teams in the NFL over the past month and will be looking to solidify their playoff standing with a statement win over a conference rival.
A True Test of the 49ers’ Depth
Ultimately, this game will serve as a litmus test for the 49ers’ roster depth and coaching staff. San Francisco has built a reputation as one of the deepest, most well-rounded teams in the NFL, but that depth will be put to the test on Sunday.
Can Allen rise to the occasion and lead the offense efficiently? Will the defense be able to generate pressure without Bosa wreaking havoc off the edge? These are the questions that will determine whether the 49ers can weather this storm and maintain their status as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
One thing is for certain: the NFL world will be watching closely to see how the 49ers respond to this adversity. In a league where the mantra “next man up” is a way of life, Sunday’s game against the Packers will be the ultimate embodiment of that ethos for a San Francisco team with championship aspirations.
