Shanahan announced early last week that Purdy would be day to day due to shoulder soreness following a Week 11 loss to the Seahawks. It led to him practicing in limited fashion and peaking concern on Thursday when he left practice early for treatment and didn’t speak to the media, which can sometimes be an indicator to his availability.
With Brandon Allen starting in his place last week, the Niners put up a season-low 10 points in a blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers. Purdy’s quick return is crucial for a 49ers team looking to get back to .500 and re-enter an NFC West race that’s up for grabs.
Purdy and Co. will have a tough task in Buffalo, however, with the weather expected to bring heavy snow in Orchard Park, NY. Left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) and star defender Nick Bosa (hip/oblique) were ruled out by Shanahan on Friday, making Sunday’s prime-time affair an even tougher matchup against a 9-2 Bills team.
But with their starting QB expected to be back, the 49ers are better equipped to end their two-game skid.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday night.