San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold has an opportunity to revive his career as he prepares to face the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Darnold's recent struggles have raised concerns, but new insights suggest that a concussion may have affected his performance.

During training camp, Darnold impressed coaches and teammates, ultimately securing the starting role over rookie Trey Lance. This decision raised eyebrows, but it now appears that the team saw potential in Darnold's abilities. With the upcoming game against the Bengals, Darnold aims to prove that he deserves the faith placed in him by the 49ers organization.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his confidence in Darnold's abilities, despite not having played a regular-season game with him yet. Shanahan commended Darnold's performance during the offseason and highlighted his dedication in meetings and on the scout team. Although Darnold receives limited reps as a backup, he remains prepared and continues to contribute to the team's progress.

While Darnold has faced criticism for his past performances, it is important to note that he hasn't had the chance to work with talented receivers like Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle. If he does take the field against the Bengals, Darnold will have the familiar presence of running back Christian McCaffrey in the backfield, which could prove crucial to his success.

In a previous assessment of Darnold, McCaffrey praised his versatility and ability to execute plays effectively. McCaffrey emphasized Darnold's accuracy, intelligence, and toughness, qualities that he believes are often overlooked. This endorsement from a respected teammate further bolsters the confidence in Darnold's potential redemption.

In the event that Darnold is unable to play, 49ers backup quarterback Brock Purdy showcased a solid performance on Monday night, minimizing the pressure for Darnold to seize the starting role immediately. The organization is focused on ensuring Darnold's success by tailoring the game plan to his strengths and preventing any tendency to go "rogue" on the field.

Overall, it will be a pivotal game for Darnold as he strives to silence the doubters and resurrect his career in the NFL. The 49ers are optimistic about the version of Darnold that can deliver a composed and disciplined performance. Sunday's matchup against the Bengals presents an opportunity for Darnold to showcase his skills and make a strong case for his future as the team's starting quarterback.

As the San Francisco 49ers face the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend, all eyes will be on Sam Darnold, eager to witness his potential career turnaround.