49ers QB Brock Purdy clears concussion protocol, will start vs. Bengals

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has cleared concussion protocol, the team announced Saturday afternoon.

Niners coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday that if Purdy clears the final protocol step, as the team hoped, he would “definitely” start against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

“For me, it wasn’t a decision because of the way he carried himself throughout this week,” Shanahan said. “And now that’s why he’ll get a chance.”

Purdy appeared to suffer a concussion midway through the fourth quarter Monday night when he made helmet-to-helmet contact with Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks during a quarterback sneak. Purdy finished the game seemingly without issue, although he intercepted two passes in the final moments, which helped seal the victory for Minnesota.

He began experiencing concussion symptoms on the team’s flight home from Minnesota late Monday night and subsequently participated in protocol.

Because they played Monday, the Niners had a visit Wednesday, with Purdy doing a side job but not allowed to do anything against the defense. By Thursday, Purdy had completed more steps in the protocol and was able to practice on a limited basis. And on Friday, Purdy was a full participant in practice.

The final step for Purdy was to be cleared for contact by the Niners team doctor and to be examined by an independent neurological consultant, who would then have to agree that Purdy’s concussion has been resolved so that he be allowed to play. This happened on Saturday, setting up Purdy’s return.

During the first seven weeks, Purdy started every game for the 49ers after returning from surgery in March for a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. His 75.7 QBR is third in the NFL and he’s thrown 11 touchdowns and three interceptions heading into Week 8.