San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy returned to practice Thursday while remaining in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
The Niners’ injury report listed Purdy as a limited participant in practice. Reporters at the team’s facility in Santa Clara, Calif., saw Purdy take part in individual drills.
Purdy reported concussion symptoms on the plane trip home from Monday night’s 22-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. But he may already be at the fourth of five phases in the NFL’s return-to-play protocol, described as “club-based, non-contact training drills.”
The 49ers (5-2) will likely give Purdy a game designation in Friday’s practice report. They host the Cincinnati Bengals (3-3) on Sunday.
If Purdy cannot play, Sam Darnold is in line to make his first start for San Francisco. The former New York Jets and Carolina Panthers starter signed with the 49ers as a free agent in March and beat out Trey Lance for the backup position during training camp. Lance was subsequently traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
Purdy is completing 67.9 percent of his passes for 1,668 yards, 11 TDs and three interceptions on the season.
49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (shoulder) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) sat out Thursday’s practice. Running back Christian McCaffrey (oblique) was a full participant.
–Field Level Media