The San Francisco 49ers are gradually increasing Brock Purdy's practice workload to determine if the quarterback can return to the starting lineup on Sunday. Purdy remains a limited participant in practice, but head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized that it will still be an "aggressive" session for the signal-caller.
"I think each week, it's gone better, with last week being the best," Shanahan said. "Each week has been different. So, if he takes a big step forward this week, like he did last week, he should have a good chance to play."
Running back Christian McCaffrey added, "He looks like Brock. He's out there, he's throwing it well, he's running well. He looks like himself."
The 49ers also welcomed back wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who returned as a limited participant. Pearsall has not practiced since suffering a knee injury in Week 4.
"They've told me he's healthy, so I'll see today, from my own eyes, when he practices, and I'm sure it'll look that way," Shanahan said. "And as long as he does, then he's good to go."
McCaffrey noted, "He's such a good player. He provides such a spark for our team. And it's just another weapon. When you get weapons back, and you get guys who can make plays back, there's nothing bad about that."
On the defensive side, defensive tackle Alfred Collins suffered a hip injury in practice last week. He was unavailable for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams after missing Friday's session. Collins has returned to practice as a limited participant.
Below are Wednesday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Cardinals, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
Note: For the Cardinals, the report below is an estimation. Arizona held a walkthrough on Wednesday instead of a full practice.
San Francisco 49ers Wednesday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
- RB Christian McCaffrey (not injury related - resting player)
- T Trent Williams (not injury related - resting player)
Limited Participation in Practice
- DT Alfred Collins (hip)
- WR Ricky Pearsall (knee)
- QB Brock Purdy (toe)
- LB Dee Winters (knee, knee)
Full Participation in Practice
- QB Mac Jones (knee, knee)
Arizona Cardinals Wednesday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
- T Kelvin Beachum (not injury related - resting player, groin)
- LB Baron Browning (concussion)
- WR Marvin Harrison (illness)
- CB Will Johnson (back, hip)
- DT Bilal Nichols (not injury related - personal matter)
- S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle)
- T Jonah Williams (shoulder)
- LB Mack Wilson (ribs)
Limited Participation in Practice
- G Evan Brown (foot)
- G Will Hernandez (knee)
- RB Zonovan Knight (ankle)
- CB Max Melton (concussion)
- DT Walter Nolen (knee)
- LB B.J. Ojulari (knee)
- DT Darius Robinson (groin)
- WR Xavier Weaver (ankle)
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