The 49ers on Thursday got good news when they took the practice field. Quarterback Brock Purdy has progressed far enough into the NFL’s concussion protocol to return to practice on a limited basis.
Purdy suffered a concussion in Monday night’s loss to the Vikings and he was absent for Wednesday’s session. There are still questions about whether he’ll be available for Sunday’s showdown against the Bengals at Levi’s Stadium, but his participation Thursday is a sign that things are trending the right direction for him.
He has until Sunday to clear the protocol.
Here’s the full practice report from Thursday’s session:
Did not participate
WR Deebo Samuel (shoulder)
LT Trent Williams (ankle)
Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday sounded semi-optimistic Williams would return for Thursday’s practice. That he didn’t participate isn’t a great sign for his availability in Sunday’s game. He’s still working through an ankle injury he suffered in Week 7. Samuel wasn’t expected to practice or play this week while nursing a hairline fracture in his shoulder.
Limited participation
QB Brock Purdy (concussion)
A limited session is better than nothing for Purdy. Friday could give us a better sign about his Week 8 availability.
Full participation
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (ankle)
RB Christian McCaffrey (oblique)
No setbacks for either player here. They were both full participants Wednesday as well. Not listed is LB Dre Greenlaw who had a veteran rest day Wednesday.
