On most game days, Green Bay Packers fans are supremely confident, and they should be. The history of winning not just division titles, but Super Bowls, has given this fan base plenty of reason to feel good about the team on a regular basis.
But, there are a few instances where fans start to feel a little uneasy, and one of them, in recent years, happens to be when the team takes on Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers, particularly in the playoffs.
The Packers get set to take on those same 49ers in Week 12 in a regular season matchup they have won the last two times these teams have played. Again, that's the regular season, though. In postseason play, the Packers have lost three in a row against the Niners.
The fact this coming matchup is in the regular season is one of a few positives for Green Bay, though. Going into this one, the 49ers have been closely monitoring a shoulder injury suffered by Purdy in practice this week.
Come Friday's practice report, Purdy was officially not practicing with the 49ers as they took the field for their final session before the game. The team has now ruled him out, along with star pass-rusher Nick Bosa.
49ers ruled out QB Brock Purdy and DE Nick Bosa for Sunday’s game against the Packers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 22, 2024
If Purdy is unable to go against Green Bay, it will be backup Brandon Allen getting the nod in his place.
There is no such thing as a guaranteed win in the NFL, but this Packers team taking on Allen and the 49ers is awfully close, especially considering San Francisco has underperformed all season long.
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Now, there's no reason to discount Shanahan. But, the 49ers really could be in trouble in this game on Sunday. It isn't just Purdy who could miss.
The 49ers could realistically be without three of their best players against the Packers
Along with Purdy not being spotted at the start of practice on Friday, also not seen were pass rusher Nick Bosa and offensive tackle Trent Williams. Bosa is offcially out, while Williams is questionable.
#49ers DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) and LT Trent Williams (ankle) not on field at start of practice.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) November 22, 2024
We're talking about the 49ers potentially not having three of their best players on the field with them when they take on the Packers this coming Sunday.
At 5-5, the 49ers are approaching "desperation" status. And, without a handful of highly-important players like Purdy, Bosa and Williams, things are looking grim for Shanahan's bunch.
As for the Packers, they need this win in order to try and keep pace with the Detroit Lions who have won eight in a row and sit atop the NFC North at 9-1.