Brock Purdy Injury Update: 49ers QB to Miss Thursday Night Clash vs. Rams

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will not play in the team’s Week 5 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The 24-year-old starter is sidelined with recurring toe soreness that resurfaced after the team’s Week 4 loss.

Purdy, who hoped to return this week, was ruled out after failing to practice on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The 49ers confirmed he would not be active, leaving backup Mac Jones to start for the third time this season.

Purdy’s Toe Injury Forces Another Missed Game

Purdy initially missed Weeks 2 and 3 because of a combination of toe soreness and a left shoulder injury. Though he returned in Week 4, the toe problem flared up and did not heal fast enough to allow him to suit up for Thursday. According to multiple reports, including The Athletic, the injury appears more significant than the team first indicated since Purdy won’t even serve as the emergency backup quarterback.

The 49ers will instead call up Adrian Martinez from the practice squad for the third time this season. If Martinez is elevated again after this week, the team would have to sign him to the 53-man active roster under league rules.

Purdy’s absence is a major setback for the 49ers. He had shown resilience while dealing with lower-body soreness earlier in the season but now faces another extended recovery timeline. Toe injuries can linger for quarterbacks, as they affect footwork, push-off strength, and throwing balance. Though Purdy said this week’s pain is less severe than his initial post–Week 1 flare-up, the team decided not to risk aggravating the injury further.

49ers Face Depth Challenges Against Rams

The quarterback loss comes as San Francisco continues to battle other injuries. Wide receivers Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and Jordan Watkins are out, along with defensive end Robert Beal. The team’s offensive depth will be tested in prime time against a Rams squad led by veteran Matthew Stafford.

Mac Jones, acquired in the offseason, has already delivered two wins while filling in for Purdy earlier this year. He will lead a short-handed offense against a Los Angeles defense that mixes veteran talent with rising young playmakers. Adrian Martinez is expected to back up Jones on Thursday night.

For fans and fantasy football managers, this late-week confirmation changes expectations for the 49ers’ offensive production. Purdy’s absence could mean heavier reliance on Christian McCaffrey in both the running and passing game, while Jones will look to manage drives efficiently.

Brock Purdy’s status beyond Week 5 remains uncertain. The 49ers have not given a clear timetable for his return, leaving his Week 6 availability in question.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Brock Purdy playing on Thursday Night Football?

No. Brock Purdy will miss the 49ers vs. Rams Week 5 game due to toe soreness.

Q2: Who is starting for the 49ers with Brock Purdy out?

Backup quarterback Mac Jones will start for San Francisco on Thursday night.

Q3: Will Brock Purdy serve as emergency QB?

No. Reports say Purdy will not even be available as an emergency backup.

Q4: How serious is Brock Purdy’s toe injury?

The team hasn’t shared a long-term timeline, but skipping backup duties suggests the soreness may be more severe than expected.

Q5: Who is the 49ers’ practice squad quarterback?

Adrian Martinez is expected to be elevated to back up Mac Jones this week.