49ers Face Key Player Absences Ahead of Packers Matchup

Santa Clara, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for an important clash against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday but will be without two of their star players. The team announced on Friday that quarterback Brock Purdy and defensive end Nick Bosa are ruled out due to injuries.

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan shared that veteran quarterback Brandon Allen will step in to fill Purdy’s role. This will mark Allen’s 10th regular-season start since he joined the NFL, having played previously for the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals. Despite the setbacks, Shanahan expressed confidence, stating, «We’re missing two good players, definitely, but we’ve got a lot of good players out there. By no means do we not have a chance to win. We’re going to fight our tails off and expect this to be a real good game.»

Purdy, who has been dealing with right shoulder soreness, was a limited participant in practices earlier this week. However, after experiencing setbacks including shoulder tightness during training, it was decided he wouldn’t play. An MRI showed no structural damage to his shoulder, but his return remains uncertain, pending more progress in subsequent practices.

Bosa, on the other hand, struggles with injuries to both his hips and obliques, yet it is the left side that has proved particularly troublesome recently. Bosa has been notably missing from practice sessions, further complicating his readiness for upcoming matches.

In addition to Purdy and Bosa, the 49ers will also be missing cornerback Charvarius Ward for the third consecutive game. Ward has just returned to practice following a personal leave of absence, grieving the loss of his 1-year-old daughter.

Meanwhile, the team is also monitoring the condition of left tackle Trent Williams, who continues to be listed as questionable due to an ankle injury. Tight end George Kittle, however, received clearance to return after missing last week’s game with a hamstring injury. A decision regarding Williams’ participation is likely to come right before Sunday’s kickoff.

The 5-5 49ers are in a crucial juncture of their season as they aim to bolster their standings in the playoff race. They face a challenging road game as they travel to Wisconsin to face the Packers, who themselves are striving to improve their record.