The San Francisco 49ers kicked off their final practice ahead of Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Quarterback Brock Purdy, currently in the concussion protocol, took the field alongside his teammates at the start of Friday's session. That certainly bodes well for his potential availability for this weekend's game.
According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic and Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, barring any setbacks, Purdy is on pace to be cleared from the concussion protocol in time for Sunday's game.
Brock Purdy is practicing for the second straight day and, barring a setback, is on pace to be cleared from the concussion program tomorrow. Kyle Shanahan will supply the full injury report/Purdy situation in about an hour.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) October 27, 2023
Brock Purdy appears to be on pace (as long as there's no setback) to receive full clearance for Sunday's game. https://t.co/QgXH0OU56g
— Matt Maiocco (Threads @maiocconbcs) (@MaioccoNBCS) October 27, 2023
Purdy sustained his concussion during Monday night's game against the Minnesota Vikings and began showing symptoms during the team's return flight from Minneapolis to the Bay Area. The quarterback has participated in the 49ers' last two practices.
#49ers QB Brock Purdy (concussion) is participating again during early open portion of Friday's practice.
Fred Warner approves.
We'll learn more from Kyle Shanahan in about an hour. pic.twitter.com/r6LMzoZoAi
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 27, 2023
In a Friday morning radio interview, general manager John Lynch confirmed that Purdy remains in the concussion protocol, emphasizing that the 49ers are patiently awaiting his progression through the strict process of being cleared. It's a process that is out of the team's control.
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"I guess if there's any good news, it's that he felt good relatively soon after [the initial symptoms]," Lynch said on KNBR. "But then you have to enter the protocol, and that's where he's at, and going through those phases."
One player noticeably absent from Friday's practice is tackle Trent Williams, who is working through the ankle injury that sidelined him against the Vikings. The offensive lineman has yet to practice this week.
"And Trent's the type of player you wait right up until Sunday if you have to," Lynch said. "I guess it does give you some confidence that Trent's a seasoned player. You trust his point of view, once the doctors clear him, as to whether he can go, and then knowing he's got some time to heal up after (because of the bye week).
"If Trent can play, he'll play. And today and the next couple of days will be big in terms of continuing that healing process so he can go function."