The San Francisco 49ers have made a significant decision regarding their star quarterback, Brock Purdy, who remains sidelined due to ongoing injury concerns. Purdy, who suffered injuries to his left shoulder and toe during the team’s season-opening victory against the Seattle Seahawks in 2025, has yet to return to practice, raising questions about his immediate future.
A Cautious Approach to Purdy’s Recovery
Despite missing Weeks 2 and 3, Purdy briefly returned to action against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, a flare-up in his toe injury forced him back to the sidelines, and he was absent from practice again on Wednesday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan provided an update, stating, “It hasn’t been a thought on [placing him on] IR. He’s progressing.” This decision to keep Purdy off the injured reserve (IR) list, which would mandate a minimum four-week absence, signals the team’s optimism about his potential return in the near future.
The 49ers’ choice to avoid placing Purdy on IR reflects their confidence in his recovery timeline, even as he continues to miss practice. This cautious approach underscores the team’s commitment to ensuring their franchise quarterback is fully healthy before returning to the field.
Mac Jones Steps Up in Purdy’s Absence
In Purdy’s absence, Mac Jones has taken the reins as the starting quarterback, leading the 49ers to an impressive 4-1 record. Jones has started three games, securing victories in each, including a narrow win against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2, a thrilling 16-15 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, and a dramatic overtime game-winning drive against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite his success, Jones faced physical challenges in the Rams game, where he was seen vomiting and stumbling off the field, raising concerns about his condition.
To bolster their quarterback depth, the 49ers have named Adrian Martinez as the backup quarterback, elevating him from the practice squad last week. Martinez is set to support Jones as the team prepares to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Injury Woes Plague the 49ers
The 49ers are grappling with a wave of injuries to key starters, compounding the challenges posed by Purdy’s absence. Star defensive end Nick Bosa suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 3, while tight end George Kittle has been sidelined since the season opener with a hamstring injury sustained after scoring a touchdown against the Seahawks. Wide receivers Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ribs, ankle) are also questionable for the upcoming Week 6 matchup against the Buccaneers.
Despite these setbacks, the 49ers have maintained a strong start to the season, sitting at 4-1 as they head into a critical stretch of games, including matchups against the Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons in the following week.
Purdy’s Blockbuster Contract
Before the 2025 season, Purdy signed a historic five-year, $265 million contract with the 49ers, marking the largest raise in NFL history for the former “Mr. Irrelevant.” The deal includes $181 million in guaranteed money and a no-trade clause, reflecting the team’s belief in Purdy as their long-term quarterback. His journey from the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to a franchise cornerstone has been remarkable, and the 49ers are eager for his return to lead their high-powered offense.
As the 49ers navigate their injury challenges, all eyes remain on Purdy’s recovery. The decision to keep him off the IR list suggests that the team expects him to return sooner rather than later, but for now, Jones and the rest of the roster will need to carry the load. With a talented roster and a resilient mindset, San Francisco remains a formidable contender, but a healthy Purdy will be crucial to their long-term success in the 2025 season.