On the same week as he went into concussion protocol, Brock Purdy played a Week 8 game for the San Francisco 49ers. A prominent neurologist joined many fans in expressing concern about the quick timetable.
Purdy, who suffered a head injury last Monday night, cleared the protocol in time to play Sunday. The quarterback threw two interceptions in a 31-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
During the game, Purdy’s head snapped back and hit the ground after taking a hit in the pocket. He grabbed his helmet with both hands but stayed in the game.
Dr. Chris Nowinski, a vocal advocate for concussion safety, blasted the 49ers when responding to a video of the play on social media.
“The way Brock Purdy grabbed his head here, I strongly suspect he felt something,” Nowinski wrote. “Because it was the end of the game & they have a bye week, everyone will pretend nothing happened.
It was a terrible idea to play him six days after a concussion.”
The way Brock Purdy grabbed his head here, I strongly suspect he felt something.
Because it was the end of the game & they have a bye week, everyone will pretend nothing happened.
It was a terrible idea to play him 6 days after a #concussion. pic.twitter.com/Nz8JudCuR1— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) October 30, 2023
Nowinski repeatedly cautioned the 49ers not to play Purdy before Sunday. Last Wednesday, the former WWE star said head coach Kyle Shanahan would have to be “insane” to let Purdy play after what happened to Tua Tagovailoa last year.
“I hope it’s gamesmanship so the Bengals prep for both QB’s & not ignorance of the fact that no one fully recovers from a concussion in six days,” Nowinski said. “Why put Purdy at risk for a life-altering second concussion in a week? They have a bye week the next week. Rest him!”
He called a six-day return “impossible” if a player reports any symptoms days after the diagnosis. Nowinski feared that players will cover up any effects to get back on the field.
“Even if he’s cleared, you should never play a young star QB six days after a concussion,” Nowinski declared. “Determining when it’s safe to return after a brain injury is still more of an art than a science. If he takes another big hit…”
Purdy didn’t leave Sunday’s game despite appearing to take a big hit. The 49ers have a Week 9 bye before determining if Purdy is ready to play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 12.