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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters ahead of Wednesday’s practice—the first of the week—as the team prepares for its Week 11 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. He shared encouraging updates on the team’s injury situation.
Quarterback Brock Purdy is officially listed as limited for Wednesday’s practice. However, Shanahan emphasized that Purdy is preparing as if he could return as the starter this weekend. Purdy has been sidelined since Week 4 after re-aggravating the turf toe injury he initially suffered in the season opener.
Shanahan had previously said he wants Purdy to have three aggressive practices before being cleared to play. When asked if being listed as “limited” on Wednesday would affect that, Shanahan clarified, “No, it’ll be an aggressive practice. We’ve just got to put ‘limited’ if it’s not exactly how it normally is.”
When asked whether Purdy will run the first-team offense and if the 49ers are building him up to start against the Cardinals, Shanahan simply replied, “Yes.”
Purdy has been gradually ramping up his practice sessions over the past few weeks. How has he looked so far?
“I think each week, it’s gone better, with last week being the best,” Shanahan said. “Each week has been different. So, if he takes a big step forward this week, like he did last week, he should have a good chance to play.”
Shanahan noted that there isn’t a difficult decision at quarterback given Mac Jones‘ strong performance in Purdy’s absence. It’s purely been about Purdy’s health.
“He’s (Jones) been great, but we’ve got a lot of confidence in Brock, and we know Brock will play at a high level, too, as long as he’s healthy,” Shanahan said.
Regarding whether Purdy might be limited in games upon his return, Shanahan emphasized that the quarterback will not play unless he can perform at full capacity.
“If you’ve got to tell a guy to not be mobile and stay out of situations, it’s kind of hard to be successful,” Shanahan said. “When a guy gets out on that field, he’s got to react and play. And if he doesn’t feel that way, which I’ll watch from practice and talking to him, then he won’t go.”
Ricky Pearsall returns to practice
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will also return to practice this week—also as a limited participant. Pearsall has not played or practiced since Week 4 due to a knee injury.
“They’ve (the trainers) told me he’s healthy, so I’ll see today, from my own eyes, when he practices, and I’m sure it’ll look that way,” Shanahan said. “And as long as he does, then he’s good to go.”
That would be a significant boost for the 49ers’ offense, no matter who lines up at quarterback.
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