Three weeks into the 2025 season, the San Francisco 49ers sit atop the NFC West with a perfect 3-0 record. Their strong start is even more impressive considering they’ve played the last two games without starting quarterback Brock Purdy, who has been sidelined with two separate injuries suffered in Week 1.
Heading into Week 4, his status remains uncertain. Here’s everything to know about Purdy’s injuries and a timetable for his return.
Latest on Brock Purdy’s Injury and Week 4 Availability
While leading the 49ers to a victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the season opener, Purdy suffered an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder and turf toe, keeping him out for the past two weeks.
Following the initial injury, it was reported that the young quarterback was expected to miss anywhere from two to five weeks, so there’s a chance he could return in Week 4.
On Sunday, prior to San Francisco’s matchup with the Cardinals, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Purdy’s recovery is progressing better than expected, and the quarterback could be available for the 49ers’ Week 4 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 28.
“My understanding, if this continues to go as it was, then he could be in line next weekend,” Rapoport reported on Sunday. “It has been better than anticipated.”
Purdy returned to practice on Wednesday, but he was a limited participant. He practiced on Thursday as well, but was limited. He was removed from the injury report on Friday, and the 49ers announced that Purdy will start in Week 4.
“I think (the toe) is feeling better each day and if that continues he should be good on Sunday,” said the 49ers HC about Purdy’s injury on Thursday.
In Purdy’s absence, veteran quarterback Mac Jones stepped in as the starter and performed well. He has thrown for 563 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in two starts while leading the 49ers to two victories. He currently holds a PFSN QBi grade of 80.0, the 10th-best mark in the league.
Still, while Jones has been solid in Purdy’s absence, the team would prefer to have its starter back. Purdy has been the 49ers’ starter since taking over in his rookie season in 2022 and has served as the team’s leader ever since.
He looked sharp in his lone start this season against the Seahawks, earning a PFSN QBi grade of 93.2, the second-highest among all quarterbacks.
Purdy’s Fantasy Outlook
The nagging toe injury cost Purdy another game, but all signs point to a Week 4 return.
San Francisco escaped with a win in Week 3, but the Mac Jones experience was a little more uneven (one touchdown and one interception) than it was the week prior in New Orleans (three touchdowns and zero picks).
We are reminded seemingly every week that rushing production as much as anything is what fuels production at the QB position. Purdy ran for 17 yards in the season opener and looked comfortable in space in 2024, but there are obvious reasons to worry about his potential on that front in the short-term.
I think he’s worth holding onto, especially as the second half of the season approaches and this team (maybe, hopefully) trends toward full strength, but I’m not tempted to roll the dice this week, assuming he suits up.
Purdy sits comfortably outside of my top-15 at the position ahead of Week 4.
