Can 49ers play Brock Purdy if he’s not fully healed? Surgeon weighs in on risks (paywall) “Dr. Kenneth Jung, a foot and ankle surgeon who is a consultant to the Rams, understands the needle the 49ers are
attempting to thread when it comes to possibly putting Purdy back on the field. Jung said the 49ers are likely trying to gauge when Purdy can play without his toe being primarily supported and stabilized by a device such as a steel or carbon-fiber plate, which Purdy used when he returned against Jacksonville.
Purdy would still likely require a plate, along with a modified cleat, to play with a not-fully-healed toe. However, if his damaged tissue had healed enough, he could plant and push off on his right foot more effectively while being at a lesser risk of suffering a reaggravation.
“You can do things to stabilize turf toe,” said Jung, who works at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics in Los Angeles. “But you still have to allow some of the healing of the tissue to occur so you’re not relying so much on these external devices or modifications for support. You’re trying to allow some of that healing to take place so some of his natural tissue is absorbing some of the burden while these devices are providing support, as well. That combination is going to allow him to get back out there.”
Might 49ers’ WR Brandon Aiyuk sit out the entire season? No one knows for sure (paywall)
“Another “few good weeks,” and Aiyuk should be that much closer to being close.
Shanahan said in August that Week 6 would be the time to start thinking about his practice window. After all, Aiyuk was required to miss at least four games due to his opening the season on the physically unable to perform list, and Week 5 was a short week. Hence Week 6.
At this point, the 49ers would be lucky to get him back before their Week 14 bye.
If indeed Aiyuk returns to action before the end of the regular season, or even potentially ahead of a playoff game, how much can be expected of him? After he missed an entire training camp as a hold-in, a newly extended Aiyuk got off to a slow start.“
49ers have as many sacks as one NFL player. Shanahan explains D-line inactivity at deadline (paywall)
“Would it have been nice to have added some big-time guys? McKivitz allowed himself to dream about adding two All-Pro defensive linemen this week, but he wasn’t howling because the impractical, or something far more realistic, didn’t happen.
“I’m sure fans want to see (Browns pass rusher) Myles Garrett and (Raiders pass rusher) Maxx Crosby on the same D-line,” McKvitz said. “I sure do. But it’s not Madden where we can turn off the (salary) cap. It would have been cool. But, hey, they’re riding with the guys we’ve got.”
49ers QB Brock Purdy increasing first-team practice reps as recovery progresses
“Coach Kyle Shanahan said the plan calls for Purdy to continue to push his recovery from a turf toe injury. A decision likely will be made later in the week to determine whether Purdy will be available to play against the Rams at Levi’s Stadium.
Purdy is scheduled for limited practice on Wednesday, Shanahan said.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has not been cleared to return to practice.“
Why it made no sense for 49ers to make blockbuster move at NFL trade deadline
“The 49ers are realistic about this season. Yes, they still can win half of their games through the remainder of the season and get into the postseason. But there was no player they could have added who would have immediately vaulted the 49ers to the top of the NFC.
San Francisco expects Bosa, Warner and Williams to come back strong next season. And they have a projected seven picks within the first four rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
They can add an offensive lineman (or two), a defensive lineman (or two) and a wide receiver (or two) to shore up some weaknesses on their roster for next season.
It did not make sense for the 49ers to have a Super Bowl-or-bust mentality for this season when, theoretically, they should be in much-better shape to make a challenge when Bosa and Warner are on the field to assist them.“
Kyle Shanahan previews 49ers-Rams Week 10 matchup
“San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters ahead of Wednesday’s practice as the team gears up for its Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Here’s everything he said.”
Steve Young shares candid thoughts on 49ers QB Brock Purdy’s recovery
“”At some point, Brock, I would suspect, would say, ‘Hey, enough. I’m playing,'” Young said during an interview on Bay Area radio station KNBR. “And those conversations, I’ve got to believe, have happened. If Brock could go out, I think Brock would force it….I feel like if Brock could somehow play, he would force the issue,” Young added. “I would. I would force it publicly, I would force it privately, I would make it happen. And so, it must be—and I know Brock—I would suspect, he can’t make it happen because he’s not healthy enough.”
