Is Brock Purdy Injured or Playing? Should I Start Sam Darnold?

Brock Purdy, the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, established himself as the San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback last season and has done a solid job leading the Niners offense this season.

But Brock Purdy started dealing with concussion symptoms after the team's Week 7 contest, putting his status for Sunday's game against the Bengals in doubt.

Will Brock Purdy suit up this weekend? If he doesn't, is Sam Darnold a solid fantasy football option?

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Is Brock Purdy Playing In Week 8?

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy took a hit to the head during Monday night's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He struggled after the hit, going 2-for-6 with two interceptions to close the game.

On Wednesday, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that Purdy was in concussion protocols after he displayed concussion symptoms after the game.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, no NFL player who has gone into concussion protocols this season has played the next week. Considering Purdy suffered the injury on Monday night, he has even less time to clear the protocols before Sunday's game. Don't expect to see Brock Purdy on the field in Week 8.

Should I Start Sam Darnold

With Purdy expected to miss Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sam Darnold is in line to start for the 49ers.

Darnold started six games last year for the Panthers, completing 58.6% of his pass attempts for 1,143 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran for 106 yards and two touchdowns.

The 49ers offense isn't really built for big passing performances. For example, Purdy has played well this season, throwing 11 touchdown passes, but he's only had one 300-yard game and three multi-touchdown games. Darnold will have a good offense around him which should allow for him to have a solid floor in fantasy, but he lacks a high ceiling. Consider him a solid QB2 play this week. He's not the best option, but desperate managers could do worse than starting Darnold.

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