SANTA CLARA — The 49ers’ will likely take some of their injury concerns up to kickoff Sunday, although it appears quarterback Brock Purdy is in the clear despite shoulder stingers in back to back weeks.
Purdy was a full participant in practice Thursday and he didn’t appear overly concerned about his status.
“Got a lot of treatment done on it and everything,” Purdy said. “Sort of just worked out the soreness within the whole shoulder area, trap area, but it feels good. I’ll be good for this game.”
That doesn’t mean general manager John Lynch isn’t paying close attention.
During his weekly appearance on the 49ers’ flagship KNBR, Lynch talked about his own issues with stingers as a hard-hitting safety that led to his exit from Tampa Bay following the 2003 season at age 32.
“That was kind of at the core,” Lynch said. “I had gone 11 years in Tampa . . . and they became regular to the point where I had to have neck surgery. I know exactly what he’s dealing with. You’ve kind of got to break the cycle of getting ‘em on a weekly and it’s just in the last couple of week. His have been minor and they’re not fun.
“Hopefully we can move past that. I think he responded really well to this one and hopefully we’re in a good place. We can protect him and get him kind of away from that and not make that something he’s dealing with anymore.”
The 49ers (11-4) visit the Washington Commanders (4-11) Sunday. They are still the top seed in the NFC but may have two won their last two games — with the Week 18 finale coming against the Rams — to stay that way.
Lynch said Purdy’s stingers are not a threat to his health. Stingers are nerve injuries which cause temporary numbness and a burning sensation in the neck and shoulder area.
“I think it’s different for each and every person as to why you’re getting them and how you’re getting them,” Lynch said. “Believe me we would never put Brock in a position where we don’t think it’s smart for him to be out there and obviously there’s a bunch of highly-qualified docs that are evaluating. Brock’s in a good place and we’re confident he can go out there and perform and be healthy out there.”
Following his own surgery, Lynch played four more seasons with the Denver Broncos — making the Pro Bowl each year — to complete a career that landed him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The 49ers will issue an official injury report later in the day, and it’s likely to contain some key player who will be listed as questionable, although Lynch seemed to indicate things aren’t as bleak as they appeared following a 33-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
“We came out of that game a banged up team and you’re saying, `OK, how are we’re going to put together this roster,” Lynch said. “Fortunately a lot of it has broken in a good way.”
It sounds as if it’s possible the 49ers will name their third different starter at strong safety. Rookie third-round pick Ji’Ayir Brown sustained a knee sprain early in the Baltimore game. Although he finished the game, Brown’s status is in question for Sunday.
Logan Ryan, a street free agent who was signed Nov. 5 after Pro Bowl starter Talanoa Hufanga was lost to a torn ACL, would be the likely starter although Isaiah Oliver could also be in the picture.
“Ji’Ayir is eager, young so he heals quickly, and it’s one of those that’s going to go right down to the wire,” Lynch said. “I know he wants to play. He’s out there moving around. We’ll see if he can make it. If not, Logan will fill in and we feel real confident he’ll do a very good job.”
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The wounded include the left side of the 49ers’ offensive line, with tackle Trent Williams (groin) participating in limited fashion Thursday while guard Aaron Banks (toe) sat it out. The 49ers could also get back linebacker and special teams player Oren Burks (knee), who was limited in practice.
Tackle Jaylon Moore and wide receiver Jauan Jennings were both still in concussion protocol and had not been cleared.
Check back for updates
