The San Francisco 49ers made a couple lineup changes in Week 12 due to injuries, and an intriguing decision saw Mike Purcell in the starting lineup at right defensive tackle. He played 49 snaps, and finished the game with 49 snaps, second only to Quinton Dial among defensive linemen.
Purcell was in the lineup seemingly for two reasons. Glenn Dorsey tore his ACL on the first play of the 49ers Week 11 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, leaving a hole on the line. Arik Armstead took over his role in that game, but was limited to passing downs in Week 12.