The NFL’s default position on short-week football is that the injury rates are no different when playing seven days apart than when playing four days apart. This overlooks an important reality.

Some players who were injured on a Sunday could be ready to go the next Sunday. By Thursday, however, they’re not where they need to be physically.

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is the latest example of that dynamic. He injured his toe in Week 1 against the Saints. He missed two games. He played on Sunday, against the Jaguars. And now he’s trying to get himself ready to face the Rams on Thursday night.

“Playing might lead to some soreness and stuff, so sort of expected it, but with a quick turnaround with a Thursday night game and everything, it’s just tougher,” Purdy told reporters on Tuesday. “

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