Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The San Francisco 49ers could be on the verge of getting their starting quarterback back. For the fourth consecutive week, Brock Purdy was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, but head coach Kyle Shanahan suggested that this week’s workload will be anything but light.
“It’ll be an aggressive practice,” Shanahan said. “We’ve just got to put ‘limited’ if it’s not exactly how it normally is.”
Team doctors and coaches will closely monitor Purdy’s status throughout the week as San Francisco prepares to face the Arizona Cardinals, with Shanahan optimistic the franchise quarterback could make his long-awaited return to the lineup.
Ramp-Up Plan and Return Timeline
An aggravated right toe injury in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars has sidelined Purdy since, after the issue first surfaced in the season opener versus Seattle. The Niners have taken a cautious approach, keeping him out as a backup in recent weeks to avoid risking re-injury.
Shanahan explained that this week marks another step in Purdy’s recovery process, with the plan being for him to participate in “three aggressive practices” while taking first-team reps. “Each week it’s gone better, with last week being the best,” Shanahan noted. “If he takes another big step forward, he should have a good chance to play.”
Mac Jones’ Solid Play Keeps 49ers Competitive
While Purdy has been out, backup quarterback Mac Jones has managed to keep the 49ers afloat in the playoff picture. In eight starts, Jones has thrown for over 2,100 yards and 13 touchdowns while ranking among the top 10 in completion percentage and yards per attempt. The team has gone 5–3 in his starts, a testament to his poise and efficiency.
Despite Jones’ steady performance, Shanahan reaffirmed that the starting job belongs to Purdy once he’s healthy enough to play. “It’s not a hard decision,” Shanahan said. “Well, It’s just about Brock’s health. It’s been awesome how Mac has played—he’s been great—but we’ve got a lot of confidence in Brock.
Shanahan Wants Full Confidence in Purdy’s Health
Shanahan emphasized that Purdy won’t return until he can move and throw with his usual explosiveness. The 49ers want to see him play without hesitation, particularly when extending plays with his legs. “We all know how good Brock’s played in the past,” Shanahan said. “When Brock comes back, he’ll play the same way he always has—like a very high-level quarterback.”
During the open portion of Wednesday’s practice, Purdy appeared more active than in previous weeks, moving comfortably through individual drills. The decision on whether he starts against Arizona will depend on how he feels after completing a full week of work.
Other Key Injury Updates
The 49ers also received encouraging news on rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who returned to practice for the first time since suffering a right knee injury in Week 4. “They told me he is healthy,” Shanahan said. “As long as he looks that way in practice, then he’s good to go.”
Linebacker Dee Winters (knees) and defensive tackle Alfred Collins (hip) practiced on a limited basis, while Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams took rest days.
More must-reads:
Jaguars’ Travis Hunter Out for Season After Knee Surgery
Packers’ Offense Stalls Again as Defense Holds vs Eagles
