San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is progressing toward making his return from a toe injury for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, per head coach Kyle Shanahan.
“I think (the toe) is feeling better each day and if that continues he should be good on Sunday,” Shanahan told reporters Thursday.
Purdy was ruled out for San Francisco’s Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints with a variant of turf toe that NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported would sideline him for two-to-five weeks.
There was also concern about his non-throwing shoulder.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the team also wasn’t optimistic about the quarterback’s chances to play in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals even though he showed improvement. “Next week will be tight, but he progressed a lot this week,” a source told Schefter.
With Purdy sidelined the last two weeks, the 49ers turned to backup quarterback Mac Jones, who led the team to wins over the New Orleans Saints and the Cardinals.
Purdy played solidly in the season-opening win over the Seattle Seahawks when he went 26-of-35 for 277 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. It was an ideal way to start the 2025 campaign after injuries played a large role in the 49ers’ 6-11 record in 2024.
Still, injuries have again been an early storyline for the NFC West team, as tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk were also among those sidelined alongside Purdy.
If Purdy is unable to suit up against Jacksonville, San Francisco will continue to rely on Jones under center until its starter is ready to return. Jones went 18-24 with the New England Patriots across three different seasons and then went 2-5 as a starter with the Jaguars in 2024.
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