Nov 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Injuries pile up, 49ers uncertain QB Brock Purdy can return Sunday

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was limited with the right shoulder injury that sidelined him last week and there is growing concern about the long-term status of left tackle Trent Williams.

Wednesday’s practice was not the start to the NFL workweek head coach Kyle Shanahan had hoped after Purdy was unable to bounce back from a shoulder injury in Week 11. Brandon Allen started at Green Bay and the 49ers (5-6) lost 38-10 with the backup-turned-starter committing three turnovers.

Williams was reportedly spotted in the locker room with a knee scooter and is experiencing pain walking. He played through an ankle injury against the Seattle Seahawks Nov. 17.

Defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) also missed practice Wednesday, leaving the 49ers to spend the holiday plotting to play the Buffalo Bills (9-2) without the three Pro Bowlers again.

“I don’t know anyone who gets Thanksgiving off unless maybe you have a Monday night game. You just start a lot earlier and get the players out,” Shanahan said. “We cram everything in so the players get out, tries to be home with the family by 5. I usually get home by 7 and they’re all mad at me, then get back to red-zone (installation).”

The 49ers are in danger of a three-game losing streak for the first time since Oct. 2021.

Injuries have been a common thread since September when running back Christian McCaffrey was a surprise scratch with an Achilles injury for the opener. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (ACL) is out for the season at a position dinged from top to bottom.

Star linebacker Fred Warner also is ailing and said Wednesday that he fractured a bone in his ankle on Sept. 29 against the New England Patriots. The game against the Bills will mark his eighth straight game playing with the injury.

“It’s something I deal with every game,” Warner said. “I get on that table before every game and get it shot up every single game just to be able to roll. But it’s not an excuse. It’s just what it is. That’s the NFL. You’re not going to be healthy. You’ve got to go out there, you’ve got to find ways to execute, to play at a high level and to win every single week.”

Shanahan wasn’t interested in injury talk. He said the 49ers have not played well in the past two weeks, and puts part of his focus on getting more out of the running game with snow in the forecast on Sunday night.

He’s not in agreement with pundits who doubt McCaffrey’s ability early into his return from injured reserve, with a per-carry average of 3.5 yards compared to 5.4 in 2023.

“The speculation on Christian is a little unfair to him,” Shanahan said. “Christian is playing very well. He’s playing his ass off. To think a guy who misses the entire offseason is going to come back and be the exact same the day he comes back would be unfair to any player in the world.”

San Francisco opened the 21-day practice window for linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl in February. His return date is unclear.

–Field Level Media

Oct 29, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) smiles with quarterback Brandon Allen (17) before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

49ers QB Brock Purdy, DE Nick Bosa out, Brandon Allen to start at Green Bay

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will not play Sunday and head coach Kyle Shanahan said the lingering discomfort is a concern.

Purdy sat out Friday after he participated in the start of Thursday’s practice with the 49ers, then retreated indoors for what Shanahan said was a treatment session.

Brandon Allen, 32, will start in Purdy’s place, and the 49ers are also without defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique). Shanahan said players believe in Allen, even if he’s an unknown.

“Outside of here people haven’t seen a lot of Brandon. But it’s his second year (with the 49ers),” Shanahan said. “Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play.”

Shanahan said they are “a little surprised” Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern.

“The way it responded this week, it’s really up in the air for next week,” Shanahan said of Purdy.

Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen’s two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21.

Shanahan said Allen’s confidence grew throughout the week and he doesn’t anticipate a major change in how he calls the offense.

Left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) also missed practice for the third consecutive day.

Without disclosing the nature of the ailment to Purdy’s throwing shoulder, general manager John Lynch confirmed Friday an MRI exam took place to determine the severity of any injury.

Allen worked with the first team most of Thursday and Friday with Joshua Dobbs also taking snaps.

Lynch described Purdy’s status for the 49ers (5-5) this week as “tenuous.”

“Hopefully, he makes progress, and we can have a shot at this weekend, but we’ll see,” Lynch said in an interview with KNBR in San Francisco. “I think it’s tenuous.”

When Purdy was on the field this week, he primarily worked on the side in position-specific drills with QB coach Brian Griese.

Williams played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable but exited the stadium with an exaggerated limp on Sunday.

Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren’t where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven’t won close games, not because of injuries.

“Seven games left is like an eternity,” Foerster said. “So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year.”

With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways.

The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Limited again, 49ers QB Brock Purdy still fighting sore shoulder

Brock Purdy participated in the start of Thursday’s practice with the 49ers but the San Francisco starting quarterback was not on the field for the majority of the workout, casting doubt over his availability to play Sunday at Green Bay.

Purdy is dealing with a right shoulder injury and the 49ers are also potentially without left tackle Trent Williams and Nick Bosa due to injuries. Bosa was listed as out of Thursday’s practice with an oblique injury. Williams also didn’t suit up Thursday. He played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable.

Purdy’s typical Thursday post-practice media session was scrapped until Friday as the 49ers did not make any quarterback available. Kyle Allen would step in for Purdy as the starter if he can’t play against the Packers.

Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren’t where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven’t won close games, not because of injuries.

“Seven games left is like an eternity,” Foerster said. “So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year.”

With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways.

The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (55) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

49ers consider QB Brock Purdy (shoulder) day-to-day

The injury-prone San Francisco 49ers are monitoring yet another health issue, this one involving quarterback Brock Purdy’s right shoulder.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said on Monday that Purdy emerged from the team’s 20-17 home loss to the Seattle Seahawks a day earlier with a sore throwing shoulder. Purdy is considered day-to-day as the 49ers prepare for a Sunday road game against the Green Bay Packers.

Purdy passed for a season-low 159 yards against Seattle, connecting on 21 of 28 attempts with one touchdown pass and one interception. He also ran five times for 40 yards and a score.

A Pro Bowl performer last season while helping San Francisco reach the Super Bowl, Purdy is completing 66 percent of his passes this season for 2,613 yards and 13 touchdowns with eight interceptions.

Neither of his backups, Brandon Allen and Joshua Dobbs, has thrown a pass this season.

Purdy joins a lengthy list of injured 49ers that added Nick Bosa on Sunday. The star defensive end sustained an oblique/hip ailment that kept him out late in the game, and his absence was conspicuous as the Seahawks drove for the winning touchdown in the final minute.

Shanahan said regarding the chances of Bosa returning to face the Packers, “There’s just as good of a chance for him to not play as play.”

San Francisco tight end George Kittle sat out Sunday because of a hamstring injury.

“He should practice on Wednesday,” Shanahan said Monday. “I know it was close (Sunday), so I think he should be good for practice on Wednesday.”

Shanahan added he was unsure whether cornerback Charvarius Ward would return this week after sitting out two games following the death of his 1-year-old daughter.

–Field Level Media

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Brock Purdy gets $739K performance-based bonus

Brock Purdy went from Mr. Irrelevant to Super Bowl quarterback in less than two years.

On Monday, the San Francisco 49ers signal-caller was rewarded financially for his performance in 2023.

Purdy received a $739,795 bonus from the NFL’s performance-based pay program. The league handed out $393.8 million to players who outperformed their salary level based on their playing time.

The bonus check nearly equaled Purdy’s base pay last year, $889,253.

Purdy, 24, was a Pro Bowl selection last year after producing a 12-4 record as a starter, completing 69.4 percent of his passes and throwing for 4,280 yards. He threw for 31 touchdowns and was intercepted 11 times while leading the league in touchdown rate (7.0 percent), yards per attempt (9.6), passer rating (113.0) and QBR (72.8).

He subsequently guided the 49ers to two postseason wins before they fell 25-22 in overtime against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

Purdy entered the NFL as the last pick (262nd overall) in the 2022 draft.

Topping the performance-based pay distribution list was Baltimore Ravens guard John Simpson, who received a $974,613 bonus.

Rounding out the top five were Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship ($923,059), Buffalo Bills tackle Spencer Brown ($912,723), Cincinnati Bengals guard Cordell Volson ($905,972) and Miami Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou ($878,167).

Among the top 25 on the list, Purdy was the lone offensive skill position player.

–Field Level Media

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) in the first half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs’ Nick Bolton fined for Super Bowl horse-collar tackle

The NFL fined Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton $8,238 for his horse-collar tackle of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy in Super Bowl LVIII.

The incident drew a 15-yard penalty in the second quarter of the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory in Las Vegas on Feb. 11.

Bolton’s fine, confirmed on Monday, was the only one issued for an infraction committed in that game. Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed drew a personal foul for unnecessary roughness but was not fined.

Bolton, 23, tied San Francisco’s Fred Warner for the game-high with 13 tackles. Bolton added one tackle for loss and two quarterback hits against the 49ers.

A second-round pick by the Chiefs in 2021, Bolton has recorded 352 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions in 41 career regular-season games (37 starts).

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is interviewed during a press conference before Super Bowl LVIII at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

49ers fighting through Super obligations, determined to zero in on Chiefs

LAKE LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Quarterback Brock Purdy is ready to be done with the “paparazzi” and media obligations at Super Bowl LVIII.

Purdy said he’s zeroed in on stepping up his play to bring the San Francisco 49ers back to Super Bowl glory, and won’t be hung up on narratives in the media that seem to be building energy as gameday against the Kansas City Chiefs approaches.

“With all the stuff going around on the outside, being able to sink back into what you believe, what your purpose is,” Purdy said of what he is focused on, mentioning he connected with 49ers legend Steve Young on that very topic. “He pointed out, spoke to the entire team, ‘When you have this opportunity, you’ve got to take it.’”

The 49ers were on the practice fields at UNLV as the sun emerged in the first dry day of their three in Nevada so far this week.

“We got here Sunday, but it feels like we’ve already been out here a week,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said following practice Wednesday afternoon.

The field at UNLV hasn’t met the approval of the 49ers, whose game-day operations staff flagged the softness of the playing surface prior to the full team arrival and on-field exercise on Monday afternoon.

“We had a normal practice. We’re not going to change the whole schedule up. We’d go too early in the morning,” Shanahan said. “We’re here. Everyone has preferences. We’re practicing on it. I wish the field was better but we’ll deal with it how it.”

There are no major injury concerns for the 49ers. Tight end George Kittle (toe), defensive end Arik Armstead (knee/foot), cornerback Ambry Thomas (ankle) and linebacker Oren Burks (shoulder) were limited in Wednesday’s workout. Kittle would like to go through one practice before gameday after also being idle during the bye week between the conference championship and Super Bowl.

“We didn’t have as an aggressive practice, in terms of running and cutting. That’s (Thursday),” Purdy said. “Today it was pretty good to get out there and move around with light running. We’ll see tomorrow how it is.”

Defensive tackle Kalia Davis (ankle), two weeks into his practice window to return from injured reserve, was a full participant.

Left tackle Trent Williams will play Sunday. But he received his usual Wednesday veteran rest day and watched practice from the sideline.

–By Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

A toe injury is not a concern for 49ers tight end George Kittle (85), who said he's ready to face the Kansas City Chiefs. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

49ers TE George Kittle ready to go toe-to-toe with Travis Kelce

LAKE LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Spending a moment of facetime with 49ers tight end George Kittle at the team hotel, it becomes abundantly clear he isn’t sitting out Super Bowl LVIII.

The only starter for San Francisco to miss every practice last week, Kittle plans to be on the field to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday evening. He’s fighting a toe injury but would love not to be mentioned on the first official injury report of the week Wednesday. Kittle maintains there is “no concern” about his injury entering the game.

He’s averaging a team-leading 18 yards per catch in two playoff games with six receptions for 108 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown.

Missing a chance to duel with Chiefs tight end and good friend Travis Kelce runs a distant second to claiming a Super Bowl ring for Kittle, the 2023 All-Pro first teamer at the position. But he’s not shying away from his appreciation of sharing the spotlight with his “Tight End University” sidekick.

“I’m a huge fan of Travis Kelce and the fact I’ve been able to become friends with him, peers with him, run Tight End (University) with him, just get to know him, it’s been awesome,” Kittle said. “For someone I’ve looked up to, looked up to his game, watched so much of his film. Anything that he says is nice about you; it feels great. He’s a fantastic football player. He’s probably a first-ballot Hall of Famer. So anything you can get from Travis Kelce, it’s awesome. And the fact you’re friends too, it makes it a little bit sweeter as well.”

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan did not provide an update on cornerback Ambry Thomas (ankle) or linebacker Oren Burks (shoulder) on Tuesday. He said he doesn’t talk to trainers unless he’s required to submit an injury report under league rules.

EFFORT, ET CETERA
San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks used the term “unacceptable,” and Shanahan called a few plays out for a lack of collective effort in the NFC Championship Game win over the Detroit Lions.

In particular, Wilks said the two rushing plays that resulted in points were most problematic. Jahmyr Gibbs ran 15 yards for a score by cutting against the grain and easing by defensive end Chase Young, who was caught moving at half-speed. That was after a 42-yard touchdown run in the first quarter by wide receiver Jameson Williams.

“Our guys take a lot of pride in what they do,” Shanahan said. “They work hard every day, practice, games, since I’ve known them. So, I don’t expect it to be any different on Sunday.”

49ers defensive lineman Javon Hargrave said players bowed their heads in shame and vowed to not allow the narrative to become a talking point again.

“I think the most important thing is just how we felt about it as a team,” 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw said. “I agree to the fullest extent. I felt like we could play harder and I felt like I could play harder too. So, you’ve got to look at yourself too. That’s really what it boils down to.”

FOR THE BIRDS
49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel dismissed the Eagles as a rival in the NFC. Not because of proximity or division separation. Because San Francisco pasted Philly, 42-19, in their December meeting.

“I consider rivalries close games,” said Samuel, who caught two TD passes in the win.

The 49ers lost to the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game last year, 31-7, before Philadelphia was defeated in the Super Bowl by the Chiefs.

–By Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Anthony Johnson Jr. (36) and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) shake hands after the 2024 NFC divisional round game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

NFC Championship Game Betting Primer: 49ers should feel Purdy good

This may sound surprising, but the San Francisco 49ers needed some good fortune to advance last week — at home — against the Green Bay Packers, and the Detroit Lions looked like a seasoned group of veteran playoff performers in turning back the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

There is no doubting the reasons served up, good and bad, for each winning team. But are the “reasons” actually excuses for the Niners? And aren’t excuses for losers?

We’ll look deeper into the wagering angles for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game and bring forth a game pick and a bonus bet below.

THE HEADLINER

Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers
When: Sunday.
Time, TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, Fox.
Odds: 49ers -7, total 51.5.

Much was made of the correlation between Brock Purdy’s subpar performance and the rainy weather in San Francisco’s 24-21 comeback win.

The 49ers quarterback had issues with his gloves but also because his safety blanket, Deebo Samuel, was missing due of an injured shoulder.

Samuel might not be fully ready by Sunday, but he’s likely to take the decision right up until game time — and the weather will be vastly improved.

The Lions, meanwhile, must depart Ford Field and try to find their magic in a road game.

Detroit added free agent tight end Zach Ertz, who appears to be insurance for the banged-up rookie star Sam LaPorta (nine catches, 11 targets last week).

If this game is close, Ertz can be used in two-tight end sets to enhance the ground game.

Lions coach Dan Campbell enjoys his role as outlier, swashbuckler, daredevil; 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan finally broke his abysmal streak of failing to overcome late seven-point deficits.

If Purdy can get a grip, literally and figuratively, Niners receivers will test Detroit’s secondary, which sits at the bottom of the NFL in allowing explosive pass plays (20+ yards).

The Lions, however, can find success if they continue to run the ball.

The San Francisco defense is not an elite run-stopping group, despite allowing the third-fewest rush yards per game during the regular season.

According to Action Network numbers, the Niners are 28th in rush EPA (Expected Points Added) since Week 9.

Lions backers are asking for yet another stellar performance from quarterback Jared Goff in a game where he’ll likely need to be a leader rather than a game manager.

Can’t shake these numbers, per Action Network:

Goff indoors is 36-17 against the spread and 26-9 against the spread (ATS) over the past three seasons, and this season (14 games) he has 28 passing TDs to eight interceptions.

Outdoors, however, he’s 9-15-1 ATS in December and January, and this season (five outdoor games) he’s produced five TD passes to four interceptions.

He’s been great to this point, and this title game could come down to key stops and turnovers. But this feels like a return to normal for the 49ers, who are poised to turn up the offense.

Another key stat: The Lions allowed only three teams to rack up 400+ yards during the regular season. They’ve allowed it to happen in both of their playoff games — and those were at home.

The public money has been pouring in on Detroit — the feel-good story enjoyed by couch-bound football fans across the country.

According to Vegas Insider, the Lions were the target of 64 percent of the bets, but the 49ers were collecting 55 percent of the money through Wednesday.

That discrepancy tells us we’re on the right track, so we’ll follow the money.

But, speaking of money, temper your enthusiasm if Samuel does not play. The 49ers are 12-1 straight up and 10-3 against the spread when Deebo starts — and finishes — the game.

The bet: 49ers -7.

BONUS BET

Purdy wasn’t great last week, as we’ve outlined. How bad? Actually, not terrible. He threw for 252 yards, and another 24 puts him over the posted total for this week.

Since we’re committed to the Niners winning on a fast track, we’ll parlay that with the San Francisco kicker, Jake Moody.

The bet: Brock Purdy 275+ passing yards with Jake Moody 6+ kicking points (+125 at BetMGM).

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) warms up  before the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

49ers holding out QB Brock Purdy in finale, Sam Darnold to start

The San Francisco 49ers are holding out quarterback Brock Purdy from Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams and will start Sam Darnold in his place.

The 49ers (12-4) have already clinched the top seed and home-field advantage in the NFC and are taking precautions to make sure their starting signal caller is healthy for the postseason.

“Brock is the only (healthy) guy I for sure don’t plan on playing,” San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday.

Brandon Allen will serve as the backup behind Darnold, who will make his 56th career NFL start. Darnold is in his first season with the 49ers after playing three seasons with the New York Jets (2018-20) and two with the Carolina Panthers (2021-22).

Darnold will receive the majority of the practice snaps on Thursday. On Wednesday, Purdy and Darnold split the workload.

“I want our team to treat this week as like Brock going down on the first play of the game,” Shanahan said. “That’s why I want them both repping it. I want Brock to get some work this week, and that’s something I’d like us to be ready for if that unfortunately did happen.”

Purdy has passed for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season.

San Francisco has already ruled out star running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) from Sunday’s game. Others not expected to play include defensive lineman Arik Armstead (foot), cornerback Ambry Thomas (hand) and safety Tashaun Gipson (quadriceps).

The Rams (9-7) are holding out starting quarterback Matthew Stafford from Sunday’s game. Carson Wentz will start for Los Angeles.

–Field Level Media