Can 49ers play Brock Purdy if he’s not fully healed? Surgeon weighs in on risks (paywall) “Dr. Kenneth Jung, a foot and ankle surgeon who is a consultant to the Rams, understands the needle the 49ers are attempting to thread when it comes to possibly putting Purdy back on the field. Jung said the 49ers are likely trying to gauge when Purdy can play without his toe being primarily supported and stabilized by a device such as a steel or carbon-fiber plate, which Purdy used when he returned against Jacksonville.

Purdy would still likely require a plate, along with a modified cleat, to play with a not-fully-healed toe. However, if his damaged tissue had healed enough, he could plant and push off on his right foot more effectively while being at a lesser risk of suffering a reaggravation. “You

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