Rookie quarterback Brock Purdy is expected to start for the 49ers against the Seahawks in Seattle on Thursday despite oblique and rib injuries. according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter. Here’s what you need to know:
- Purdy — playing in place of the injured Jimmy Garoppolo — went 16-of-21 passing for 185 yards and two touchdowns in his first NFL start, including one rushing touchdown in the team’s Week 14 win over the Buccaneers.
- The 49ers took Purdy with the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft (262nd overall) after a standout career at Iowa State.
- San Francisco (9-4) leads Seattle (7-6) by two games in the NFC West. The 49ers currently sit third in the NFC playoff standings, while the Seahawks are eighth, meaning one spot outside the playoffs heading into Week 15.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Purdy’s calm demeanor to be tested at Seattle
Purdy’s best trait so far – that he’s been so calm and collected – will be tested in a place notorious for making opposing quarterbacks crack. Not only does Seattle have the loudest venue in the league, but the fans there seem to get particularly animated for 49ers visits, and a division title is on the line tonight as well. Purdy’s lone flaw so far has been his ability to get Kyle Shanahan’s wordy play calls in time, and that will be doubly difficult in a deafening stadium. Purdy’s left oblique/rib injury will also be something to watch. His maneuverability was an asset against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Will the 49ers roll him out as often? Will he be more hesitant to run? And most of all, how will it affect his passing, especially on deep balls on which he has to put his whole body – and twist his torso – into the throw? — Barrows
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(Photo: Kyle Terada / USA Today)
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