Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that two key San Francisco 49ers offensive playmakers will be returning to the field this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals—quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.
Neither player has seen game action since Week 4, when Purdy aggravated a turf toe injury and Pearsall suffered a PCL injury. While Purdy has been practicing for several weeks, Sunday will mark his first game back. Pearsall, meanwhile, returned to practice for the first time this week.
49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak spoke with reporters on Thursday, just before news broke that both players are expected to suit up. He offered insight into how each has performed in practice.
When asked about Purdy's progress, Kubiak said, "Good. He has done more this week than he's been doing, and he's had a couple of good days, and we have to see how these next 48 hours go, but he's had one of his better weeks in terms of coming back from the injury, and we're hoping for the best."
Purdy's performance in practice has been strong enough to earn his return to the starting lineup after a lengthy recovery from the unpredictable injury.
"He's had good practices," Kubiak added. "He just looks more confident, and that's been the goal. So, if we can kind of get through these few days with him progressing, we hope it stays in that direction."
Kubiak noted that Purdy's arm strength is right where the 49ers need it to be. While he took more first-team reps this week, Purdy has stayed heavily involved in practice throughout his recovery, including running the scout team to stay sharp.
"I think he's had some good practices, and again, that's been our goal," Kubiak said. "We don't want to put him back on the field unless we feel confident that he can be his normal self."
As for Pearsall, Kubiak praised the second-year wide receiver's work throughout the week, noting that the 49ers are intentionally easing him back into action.
"He's been getting limited reps, just kind of easing him back in, but he's looked good," Kubiak shared. "I think Ricky, his mind is he wants to play, but we have to get through this week, kind of like Brock, and just get through it healthy and just get him back into it. But we're happy with where he is at."
Kubiak noted that it's too early to say whether Pearsall will be kept on a snap count against the Cardinals.
"I think he's a guy, when he is on the field, who's going to want to stay in there if he can go, but we have to be careful with him," he said. "We have to be smart, and we'll see how it goes."
The return of Purdy and Pearsall should provide a much-needed boost for a 49ers team looking to rebound from a tough loss against the Los Angeles Rams and strengthen its push for a playoff berth.
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