After missing last week's loss to the Green Bay Packers with a shoulder injury, there appeared to be a significant danger of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy being out for a second straight game.

But the Niners have avoided that scenario, with their signal-caller on track to make his return against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football.

Purdy was listed as questionable on the 49ers' final injury report. However, unlike last week, when he did not throw in the Friday session, Purdy threw as normal in the section of practice open to the media, a clear sign of him being the starter versus the Bills.

And head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Purdy is expected to play against Buffalo, having practiced in full on Friday.

However, Purdy will not have the benefit of pass protection from his All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, who once again missed practice owing to an ankle injury. The 11-time Pro Bowler has been ruled out. Jaylon Moore is once again poised to deputize.

The defense is also in rough shape as it will be missing two of its most important players for the challenge of trying to stop Josh Allen and the Buffalo offense.

Nick Bosa (hip/oblique injuries) will be out for a second successive game, once again depriving the Niners of their best pass rusher. In the defensive backfield, meanwhile, the 49ers will not have their most versatile and most important secondary player, Deommodore Lenoir ruled out with a knee injury suffered in the defeat to the Packers. Rookie corner Renardo Green (neck) is questionable.

Lenoir's absence is offset somewhat by the  return of Charvarius Ward, set to play his first game since Week 8 following the tragic death of his one-year-old daughter.

Additionally, the 49ers won't get the boost of having Dre Greenlaw back in the lineup. As expected, this game comes too soon for the linebacker, who this week had his practice window opened in a major step in his recovery from the Achilles injury he suffered in Super Bowl 58.

Guard Aaron Banks and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott remain in the concussion protocol and will play no part against Buffalo. 

Ben Bartch will likely fill in for Banks at left guard, while rookie right guard Dominick Puni is off the injury report and ready to go despite a shoulder injury. 

Defensive tackle Kevin Givens' potential return could boost the defensive side of the trenches in Elliott's absence. Givens is listed as questionable after missing the last four games with a groin issue.

49ers injury report

Major NFL news could have significant impact on 49ers’ dwindling hopes of making the playoffs

A big change for an upcoming foe.