The San Francisco 49ers are heading to Lambeau Field this Sunday to take on the Green Bay Packers, but they’ll be doing so with key players missing. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed during his Friday press conference that quarterback Brock Purdy and defensive end Nick Bosa will not be suiting up for the game.
Purdy, who took a hit to his throwing shoulder during last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks, has been ruled out after struggling in practice throughout the week.
Brock Purdy physical transformation
“He got the MRI on Monday. We thought he just needed some rest, and we really weren’t concerned about him not being good this week,” Shanahan explained. “When he started up Thursday, just surprised him and surprised us on how it felt, so we had to shut him down.”
Purdy, in his third NFL season, has been a consistent presence for the 49ers, completing 202 of 306 passes for 2,613 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions this season, with a passer rating of 95.9. In addition to his passing stats, he’s also contributed on the ground with 267 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Bosa’s absence leaves a major gap in 49ers’ defense
In Purdy’s absence, Brandon Allen will step in as the starting quarterback. Allen, who was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, has bounced around the league with stints on the Rams, Broncos, and Bengals before joining the 49ers last year.
Over his career, Allen has played in 16 games with nine starts, completing 149 of 263 passes (56.7%) for 1,611 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions. While he doesn’t have extensive starting experience, Allen will be tasked with leading the offense in what promises to be a tough matchup.
The absence of Nick Bosa will also be felt deeply on the defensive side of the ball. Bosa is dealing with a hip and oblique injury he sustained against Seattle in Week 11. The star edge rusher has been a dominant force for San Francisco’s defense this season, recording 24 total tackles, seven sacks, one forced fumble, and even an interception. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses is a cornerstone of the 49ers’ pass rush, and his absence leaves a significant void.
The injuries to Purdy and Bosa present a major challenge for the 49ers as they look to rebound from last week’s loss. With key players sidelined, all eyes will be on how Allen and the rest of the team step up under pressure.
