The San Francisco 49ers are facing uncertainty at the quarterback position as they head into a critical Week 17 game against the Washington Commanders. Following their recent loss to the Baltimore Ravens, starting quarterback Purdy had his worst game to date, leaving fans and coaching staff questioning his ability to bounce back.

During a conference call with reporters, head coach Shanahan expressed confidence in Purdy's recovery, stating, "Just watching him how he was [last] week and then being able to hear how he was today and talking to him last night after the game, I think he's going to be fine." However, Shanahan acknowledged the lingering pain and potential impact on Purdy's performance, stating, "I'm sure it's a pain for him, but overall, I think he'll be fine for us this week."

Purdy's struggles were evident in Monday night's game, as he completed only 18 of 32 passes for 255 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions. With 7:50 remaining in the fourth quarter, Purdy was replaced by backup quarterback Sam Darnold, who finished the game for the 49ers.

Purdy revealed that he had discussions with Shanahan regarding his availability to return to action once cleared. "We had talked about just the scenario of the game, where we were at, just got a stinger and my arm was coming back," Purdy said. Ultimately, the decision to stick with Darnold was made due to the situation in the game and concerns about the stinger injury.

Despite the setback, Darnold showed promise leading the team to a touchdown drive, narrowing the gap between the 49ers and Ravens. However, his interception in the final minute ended any hopes of a comeback victory for San Francisco, as they faced a fourth-and-goal situation.

As the 49ers prepare for their upcoming game against the Washington Commanders, they still hold the top playoff spot in the NFC. Securing victories against both the Commanders and the Los Angeles Rams in their final regular season games would guarantee them the coveted No. 1 seed for the playoffs.

With the stakes raised, the 49ers and their coaching staff will monitor Purdy's progress closely, hoping for a swift recovery and a return to form. The outcome of their quarterback situation will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining their success moving forward.

In the meantime, fans and analysts alike will eagerly await further updates on Purdy's condition and the team's quarterback decision for the upcoming critical matchup.