Getty Image / Lachlan Cunningham
Getty Image
There’s no denying that it’s trending towards a lost season for the San Francisco 49ers. What was once a season with so much potential has been relegated to one where Brock Purdy and his teammates are scratching and clawing to get in the playoffs at 5-6 as we enter the final six weeks of the season.
But, if you read the tea leaves from Wednesday’s practice, the 49ers could be in deep trouble. And, it all has to do with the health of Brock Purdy.
Last week, Purdy missed a big game for the 49ers against the Green Bay Packers on the road at Lambeau Field. San Francisco looked completely lost on offense without him in a 38-10 defeat. With the team unable to run the ball at will like they have been able to in the past under Kyle Shanahan, it’s important for them to be able to throw the ball effectively. That was not the case with Brandon Allen under center, as the entire offense struggled. Plus, given that teams don’t respect Brandon Allen at all as a downfield passer, it made it even more difficult to run the ball.
The good news for the 49ers is that, even at 5-6, they’re just one game back in the division, as Seattle and Arizona are on top with the Rams and 49ers one game behind at 5-6. But the 49ers have a brutal schedule down the stretch, starting with a tough game against the Buffalo Bills this weekend in Buffalo.
The 49ers were hoping to have Brock Purdy back this weekend, but it doesn’t seem like his throwing shoulder is healing quickly enough.
#49ers QB Brock Purdy threw one pass during the early open portion of Wednesday’s practice. It was a short screen during the third period. He did usual handoff work in run install but no other throwing in the four periods we got to see. He stood and watched the rest. pic.twitter.com/AC5blP1oPB
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) November 27, 2024
Who knows. Maybe Brock Purdy can make it back in time for Sunday night’s game. But, given the fact that he’s not throwing passes at this stage makes me think that he isn’t playing this weekend.
That’s something the 49ers can’t afford. They were already underdogs on the road in Buffalo. Now, with Brandon Allen likely starting again, the path to victory seems pretty narrow.
A loss would put them at 5-7. They’d be approaching the territory of needing to win out. And, even when healthier, there’s nothing that suggests this team can do that. It could be getting late early in San Francisco.