The San Francisco 49ers have kicked off the 2025 NFL season with a notable performance, despite facing a string of injuries that have put a strain on their roster. Central to this situation is their starting quarterback, Brock Purdy, who has dealt with both toe and shoulder injuries since the team’s Week 1 win against the Seattle Seahawks.
Purdy’s early season has been a rollercoaster. After successfully leading the 49ers to victory in their season opener, he suffered turf toe, sidelining him for Weeks 2 and 3. His much-anticipated return in Week 4 brought hope, but now, he finds himself back on the sidelines once again, missing the crucial matchup in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams.
The uncertainty surrounding Purdy’s availability has raised significant questions among fans and analysts alike. Will he miss multiple games, or is this a temporary setback caused by the quick turnaround from Sunday to Thursday games? It’s a pertinent dilemma for a team eager to maintain momentum in the highly competitive NFC.
When Will Brock Purdy Return?
As of now, the 49ers have not established a definite timeline for Purdy’s return to the field. However, initial reports suggest that his absence may not be protracted. During a recent media availability, Purdy expressed optimism about his recovery, noting that his toe “feels a lot better” than it did post-injury.
Purdy shared, “[My] toe’s just a little sore from the game, but nowhere near as bad as after Seattle.” This indicates a degree of progress, although the tight schedule of games in the NFL doesn’t facilitate a smooth recovery. He acknowledged the challenges posed by “Thursday Night Football,” highlighting the insufficient time to recuperate fully between matches.
The 49ers are hoping that the upcoming 10-day “mini-bye”—a break before their Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—will provide Purdy with the necessary time to heal. Coach Kyle Shanahan also stressed that the decision to return Purdy would hinge not just on pain tolerance but also on whether he could perform at his best and protect himself effectively during games.
Who Is the 49ers’ Backup QB?
In Purdy’s absence, the reins of the offense are currently held by Mac Jones, the 27-year-old quarterback who joined the 49ers in free agency. Previously, Jones served as the backup to Trevor Lawrence with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since stepping in for Purdy, Jones has demonstrated his capabilities. He led the 49ers to a commendable 2-0 record over his two starts, completing 66.3% of his passes and accumulating 563 yards, four touchdowns, and just one interception.
49ers QB Depth Chart
Currently, the 49ers maintain a roster of four quarterbacks, though only two are healthy enough to compete. Normally, Purdy would occupy the top spot in the depth chart, but Jones’s strong performance has thrust him into the starting role. Meanwhile, Kurtis Rourke, a seventh-round draft pick, is on the bench due to a knee injury and has been placed on the non-football injury (NFI) list.
This situation has paved the way for Martinez, the 2024 UFL MVP, to step up from the practice squad and serve as Jones’s backup. The dynamic of the quarterback room, coupled with the implications of Purdy’s injuries, keeps fans on the edge of their seats as they look ahead to the rest of the season.
As the season unfolds, the 49ers will need to navigate these injury challenges while striving to assert their dominance. The resilience of the team, especially through their quarterback play, will be crucial in their pursuit of playoff contention. Fans will eagerly watch for updates on Purdy’s recovery and how effectively Jones can lead the team in the meantime.