49ers' Brock Purdy Clears Concussion Protocol, Will Start vs. Bengals

The San Francisco 49ers announced Saturday that quarterback Brock Purdy cleared concussion protocol, meaning he will start Sunday's home game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Per Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, Purdy was placed in concussion protocol earlier this week when he reported symptoms on the flight home following the Niners' loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night.

Purdy has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's game, meaning the second-year man should be able to play without any restrictions, while veteran Sam Darnold will serve as his backup.

After going 5-0 at the end of his rookie season and winning two playoff games, Purdy won the starting job entering the 2023 campaign, and both he and the Niners got off to a spectacular start.

San Francisco went 5-0 out of the gates, giving Purdy a 10-0 record in his first 10 career NFL regular-season starts. Purdy also threw nine touchdown passes, rushed for two touchdowns and did not throw a single interception in the first five games this season.

The 49ers finally hit a speed bump against the Cleveland Browns in Week 6, as Purdy went just 12-of-27 for 125 yards with one touchdown and one interception. San Francisco had a chance to win the game with a last-second field goal, but Jake Moody's kick missed, and the 49ers fell 19-17.

An attempt to get back on track in Week 7 was foiled by the Vikings, who pulled out a 22-17 win on Monday Night Football.

Purdy went 21-of-30 for 272 yards and one touchdown, but he was also intercepted twice, marking the first multi-interception game of his young career.

The interceptions came on each of the 49ers' final two drives when they were attempting to get a go-ahead score, and they sealed the deal for the Vikings.

While Purdy and the 49ers have not played like their usual selves the past two weeks, they are back home in Week 8 against a Bengals team that has had an up-and-down year at 3-3.

Purdy undoubtedly gives the 49ers their best chance to win, and with him, running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and tight end George Kittle, it could be a get-right game for the San Francisco offense.