Injury update: What’s next for Brock Purdy? 49ers QB timeline

Brock Purdy aggravated his turf toe in Week 4 vs. the Jaguars. The San Francisco 49ers list him as week to week. Mac Jones stepped in and beat the Rams 26–23 in overtime on Thursday night.

Team officials have not set a firm return date. Reporting indicates Purdy could also miss Week 6 vs. the Buccaneers on Oct. 12. The staff will monitor swelling and pain response through the weekend.

Injury update: What’s next for Brock Purdy—status, timeline, and Mac Jones’ role

Purdy first injured the toe in Week 1 against Seattle. He missed two games, returned in Week 4, and reaggravated it in the loss to Jacksonville. An MRI confirmed the setback. Head coach Kyle Shanahan described Purdy as “week to week.”

League reports now point to uncertainty for Week 6. The Buccaneers game is nine days away. Medical staff typically rest turf toe flares to avoid chronic issues. That aligns with the current approach.

Meanwhile, Jones delivered under pressure. He went 33-of-49 for 342 yards and two touchdowns in Los Angeles. The 49ers moved to 4–1 after entering the night 3–1. Reuters logged the final sequence and the field goal that set up the overtime stop.

Inside the locker room, Jones downplayed any “QB controversy.” He said he was signed to be the backup and that “Brock’s the starter.” His focus is on stacking wins until Purdy is healthy.

How Thursday changes the calculus for San Francisco

Short term, expect the staff to manage to the defense and run game. The game plan can ride Christian McCaffrey and quick-game timing that suits Jones. That limits toe-to-toe shootouts while Purdy rests.

Medium term, the decision tree is simple. If Purdy clears pain and functional testing, he resumes QB1. If not, Jones starts again. Shanahan has publicly kept the status week to week, and outside reporting echoes that stance.

The broader picture is stability. Jones is 3–0 in his starts this season and has protected the ball. That buys time to prioritize Purdy’s long-term health. It also reduces any pressure to rush a return for Week 6.

Bottom line: the injury update on what’s next for Brock Purdy is unchanged—he’s week to week. The 49ers will roll with Mac Jones until medical checks flip Purdy back to active. San Francisco can win with either profile, which is the best insurance in October.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Brock Purdy expected to play in Week 6?

It is uncertain. Multiple reports say he could miss the Buccaneers game on Oct. 12. The team lists him week to week.

Q2: What exactly is the injury?

A turf toe injury that flared again in Week 4. An MRI confirmed an aggravation. That is why the timeline is open-ended.

Q3: How did Mac Jones perform vs. the Rams?

He threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns on 33-of-49 passing. San Francisco won 26–23 in overtime.

Q4: Did Mac Jones push to start over Purdy?

No. He said Purdy is the starter and his job is to win as the backup. That stance quiets any internal controversy.

Q5: What’s the 49ers’ record after TNF?

They are 4–1. They entered at 3–1 and defeated the Rams to reach four wins. {index=13}