Niners Nation
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...
