San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy remains sidelined as his toe injury continues to linger ahead of Week 8. The 24-year-old signal caller has been limited in practice, and his recovery has not progressed as smoothly as the team had hoped. This development is concerning for both the 49ers and fantasy football managers who were expecting his return soon.
The 49ers have managed to stay afloat with backup Mac Jones under center, maintaining a 5-2 record despite injuries to key players like Purdy, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall. On defense, they have also lost Nick Bosa and Fred Warner for the season, making Purdy’s health even more vital to their playoff hopes.
Brock Purdy’s Toe Injury: How It Happened and Why It’s Lingering
Purdy initially suffered a hyperextension of his right big toe—commonly referred to as a “turf toe” injury—during the Week 1 opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The injury tore stabilizing ligaments beneath the joint, making it difficult for him to plant and throw comfortably. Although he returned in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he aggravated the injury and has not played since.
Reports from inside the 49ers organization suggest the recovery has been slower than expected. The quarterback continues to feel discomfort when pushing off the injured foot, which has limited his mobility and accuracy. While he has resumed limited participation in practice sessions, the team is being cautious not to rush his return.
According to team insiders, Purdy remains frustrated with the prolonged recovery and the uncertainty surrounding his timeline. He reportedly told close associates that he “doesn’t want to sit and watch this happen,” emphasizing his eagerness to get back on the field. However, turf toe injuries are notorious for recurring if not fully healed, and medical staff are urging patience.
Uncertain Return Timeline for Week 8
As of now, Purdy’s availability for the 49ers’ Week 8 matchup remains unknown. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has listed him as “limited” and said that a decision will likely come down to a game-time evaluation. The team has not placed him on injured reserve, indicating optimism for a return soon, but insiders say the quarterback still lacks the stability needed to handle game-speed movement.
Even though Purdy is said to be “close to full recovery,” multiple reports this week revealed that he isn’t quite there yet. The issue appears to be more about pain management than structural damage, but the recurring discomfort has kept him sidelined. The expectation is that the team will continue to rely on Mac Jones for at least one more week while Purdy works on regaining full range of motion.
Fantasy Football Impact and Advice
For fantasy managers, the situation is increasingly frustrating. Purdy’s inconsistent availability makes him a risky hold in most formats. If you have another starting-caliber quarterback, benching Purdy until further notice is the safest move. Trading him could also be an option if another manager in your league is willing to take the risk on his potential return.
In his only game since the injury, a 21-26 loss to Jacksonville, Purdy threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns but also had two interceptions, finishing with a completion rate below 58 percent. Those numbers suggest the injury may have affected his mechanics and decision-making. Until he demonstrates that he’s fully healthy, relying on him could hurt your fantasy lineup.
For now, consider Mac Jones as a temporary streaming option in deeper leagues. However, once Purdy returns at full strength, he will likely reclaim his role as the starter, given his chemistry with San Francisco’s offensive core and his long-term contract security.
In summary: Brock Purdy’s toe injury continues to limit his practice workload and delay his return. The 49ers are managing his recovery cautiously, and fantasy owners should prepare for at least another week without him. Unless he’s officially cleared by Friday, expect Mac Jones to start again in Week 8.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: What exactly is Brock Purdy’s injury?
He has a turf toe injury—a hyperextension of the right big toe that tore stabilizing ligaments under the joint. It affects his ability to plant and throw.
Q2: Is Brock Purdy playing in Week 8?
As of now, his status is uncertain. He’s still limited in practice and will likely be evaluated closer to game time.
Q3: What should fantasy managers do with him?
Bench him or trade him if you can. Turf toe injuries are slow to heal, and his performance could dip even after returning.
Q4: How are the 49ers managing without him?
Backup quarterback Mac Jones has stepped up, helping the team maintain a strong 5-2 record despite the offensive injuries.
Q5: When could Purdy realistically return?
There’s no fixed timeline, but the team hopes he can make a comeback within the next couple of weeks if his pain subsides.
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