It’s a bit of a surprise that Brock Purdy is slated to play on Sunday.
The 49ers quarterback participated in practices Thursday and Friday — including a full session Friday — and if he clears the concussion on Saturday, Purdy will start against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
“Yeah, definitely,” Shanahan said Friday if Purdy would start if cleared. “He was busy today, so he’ll just have to make it tomorrow.”
Purdy is officially listed as questionable for the game. 49ers Tackle Trent Williams (ankle) is also questionable, while star forward Deebo Samuel (shoulder) will miss his second straight game.
Purdy was placed in the concussion protocol earlier this week after first showing concussion symptoms on the 49ers’ flight home from Minneapolis following their 22-17 loss to the Vikings. Shanahan announced Purdy’s placement on Wednesday, leading most to think Purdy’s involvement was unlikely.
Instead, Purdy seems to have been quite successful. If he can’t go, however, veteran backup Sam Darnold will take his place and start his first game as a 49er. But Friday’s news gives 49ers fans a reason to keep an eye on the weekend until Sunday afternoon in San Francisco.