49ers' Sam Darnold: Remains in backup role

Darnold will remain in a backup role for Week 8 after Brock Purdy cleared the five-step concussion protocol ahead of Sunday's game against the Bengals, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan announced Wednesday that Purdy entered the protocol in the aftermath of Monday's loss to the Vikings, which seemingly put Darnold in line to draw the Week 8 start against Cincinnati. However, Purdy ended up clearing all five steps of the protocol quicker than anticipated and no longer carries an injury designation into Sunday. As a result, Darnold will stick in his usual No. 2 role in Week 8.