Brock Purdy Injury Update: Will the 49ers QB Return vs. Giants After Turf Toe Setback?

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy remains questionable for Week 9 as he continues to recover from a nagging turf toe injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan called the situation “sensitive,” noting that the team will decide closer to Sunday’s matchup against the New York Giants.

Purdy has been sidelined since Week 4 after re-aggravating the toe injury he initially suffered in Week 1. While he’s been a limited participant in practice, his availability for Sunday’s road game remains uncertain. Backup quarterback Mac Jones, who has filled in since Purdy’s setback, is expected to start again if Purdy can’t go.

49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan Calls Purdy’s Recovery a ‘Sensitive Situation’

Speaking to reporters this week, Shanahan said the 49ers are being cautious with their franchise quarterback’s recovery. “If he gets out there and he’s hobbling around, he won’t be out there on Sunday,” Shanahan said. “He’s got to go out there and go through the practices and really let us know how good he feels because it’s hard to know what’s going on with the toe.”

The 24-year-old QB last played on September 28 and has only appeared in two games this season. Shanahan revealed that Purdy looked good in practice before his last return, but one hit during the game set him back nearly a month. “It’s kind of a sensitive situation,” Shanahan said. “Hopefully getting some reps in practice will give him that confidence that it’s better than it was last time.”

The 49ers, who sit at 5-3, want to avoid another aggravation. Purdy, who signed a five-year, $265 million extension in May, has been an essential part of the team’s offensive system. The staff is focused on ensuring he’s fully ready before risking another setback.

How the 49ers Are Handling the Quarterback Situation

Mac Jones has been filling in under center, going 4-2 in Purdy’s absence. Jones, who has been battling a minor knee contusion, was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice and is preparing as the likely starter for Week 9 if Purdy remains sidelined.

San Francisco’s offense has adjusted slightly with Jones, relying more on short passes and the running game to offset Purdy’s absence. Still, Shanahan knows the team’s ceiling is higher when Purdy is healthy. “It’s not as black and white as you guys want it to be,” Shanahan said when asked for a timetable on Purdy’s return.

For the 49ers, the timing is crucial. A win over the Giants would keep them competitive in the NFC West race, but rushing Purdy back too early could jeopardize his long-term availability. Turf toe injuries are notoriously unpredictable, often affecting a player’s ability to plant and push off effectively.

Outlook for Week 9 and Beyond

Purdy’s performance in practice will determine whether he travels and dresses for Sunday’s game. If he shows improved stability and confidence, Shanahan could clear him for limited snaps. Otherwise, the team will likely give him one more week of rest before considering a return in Week 10.

The 49ers’ training staff continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing that there’s no set deadline for Purdy to declare himself ready. Shanahan hinted that the decision will be collaborative: “He’ll let us know how he feels by the end of the week. I didn’t give him a deadline.”

Brock Purdy’s recovery remains a day-to-day situation, but optimism exists that he’s trending in the right direction. Whether he starts Sunday or waits another week, the 49ers are determined to ensure he’s 100 percent before returning to action.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Brock Purdy’s current status?

Purdy is listed as limited in practice and remains questionable for Week 9 against the Giants. His final status will be determined after Saturday’s walkthrough.

Q2: What injury does Brock Purdy have?

He’s dealing with turf toe, a painful sprain of the big toe joint that affects stability and mobility—especially for quarterbacks.

Q3: Will Purdy play vs. the Giants?

The 49ers are cautiously optimistic, but no decision has been made. Kyle Shanahan said the team will see how he feels closer to game day.

Q4: Who will start if Purdy can’t play?

Mac Jones is expected to start if Purdy is ruled out. Jones has started the last four games for San Francisco.

Q5: How long could turf toe last?

Depending on severity, recovery can take from a few weeks to over a month. Re-aggravation risk is high if not fully healed.