The San Francisco 49ers will be without starting quarterback Brock Purdy in Week 12 as they face the Green Bay Packers. Here’s everything you need to know about Purdy’s absence and who is starting in his place.
Why Isn’t Brock Purdy Starting in Week 12?
Purdy will not play in Week 12 after injuring his shoulder against the Cardinals in Week 11. He failed to participate in Friday’s practice after being involved earlier this week.
Purdy was limited for Wednesday’s session. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said at the time that the club was not concerned about Purdy’s shoulder issue.
However, following another limited practice from Purdy on Thursday, the 49ers curiously moved the starting QB press conference to Friday. As team reporters noted, that indicated the team was uncertain about who would start under center on Sunday.
On Thursday, 49ers general manager John Lynch said Purdy underwent an MRI, noting that the club felt “good about where (Purdy’s injury was) from that standpoint.” However, Lynch also said that Purdy’s status for Week 12 was “tenuous.”
According to PFN’s Playoff Predictor, San Francisco only has a one-in-four shot of making the postseason in 2024. Facing a team like the Packers without Purdy won’t help those odds. Even if the 49ers can survive Green Bay, they have another daunting matchup against the Bills in Week 13.
Unfortunately, Shanahan said Friday that Purdy’s status for that matchup against Buffalo is “up in the air.”
Who Is Starting in Purdy’s Place?
With Purdy sidelined, Brandon Allen, who beat Josh Dobbs for San Fran’s QB2 role this offseason, will start.
While Allen has limited starting experience, he has proven to be a steady hand in high-pressure situations. His familiarity with the 49ers’ system — thanks to time spent under head coach Kyle Shanahan over the last year and a half — could give the team confidence heading into this crucial NFC matchup.
MORE: Brandon Allen’s Career, College, and More
Allen’s ability to manage the game and limit turnovers will be key as the 49ers face a Packers defense that has shown flashes of dominance this season. According to Pro Football Network’s proprietary Defense+ metric, the Packers have the 19th-best defense in the league, noting that turnovers have been a big part of that success.
“The one area where the Packers have been impressive this season has been turnovers, ranking fourth. Yet, they’ve only forced turnovers in one of their last three games, which has left them somewhat vulnerable in other areas. Turnovers were largely saving Green Bay’s pass defense in EPA per dropback, as their success rate against the pass has been inside the bottom 10 this season.”
The offense will likely lean heavily on its star players, including running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, to support their quarterback.
49ers QB Depth Chart
With Purdy unavailable, the 49ers have reshuffled their quarterback depth chart heading into Week 12. Here’s a look at how the position stacks up:
1. Brandon Allen – Starting Quarterback
Allen steps into the starting role for the 49ers. After serving as Purdy’s backup, Allen now leads the team as they face a pivotal matchup against the Packers. Known for his composure and experience, Allen brings a steady presence under center.
2. Joshua Dobbs – Backup Quarterback
Elevated to the No. 2 spot, Joshua Dobbs provides reliable depth behind Allen. Dobbs, who spent part of last season with the Minnesota Vikings, is a seasoned veteran with starting experience across several NFL teams. His ability to step in and manage the game adds security to the 49ers’ quarterback room.
3. Tanner Mordecai – Practice Squad
Rounding out the depth chart is Tanner Mordecai, a name familiar to Wisconsin Badgers fans. Mordecai joined the 49ers as an undrafted free agent after finishing his college career at Wisconsin in 2023. While he remains on the practice squad, his development could make him a future asset for the team.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers Preview (-2.5, 47.5)
The 49ers might be in real trouble. After their fifth loss in nine games, the Niners have a 74% chance of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Shanahan’s closing stretch is just brutal. San Francisco plays the Packers, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and Arizona Cardinals over the season’s final seven weeks.
However, the Niners do have the Packers’ number lately, winning the last two meetings (both by a field goal) in one of the best rivalries in football.
Green Bay will have payback in mind after San Francisco bounced the Pack from the playoffs last January.
“It definitely sits with you through the offseason, and then you obviously move on,” quarterback Jordan Love said this week. “Just knowing that that’s the team that knocked us out, we’re definitely hungry for this game.”