The San Francisco 49ers might be off to a perfect 2-0 start, but the big question on everyone’s mind is still about their starting quarterback.
Brock Purdy hasn’t suited up since Week 1, when he walked away from the win over Seattle with a banged-up left shoulder and a turf toe injury. The shoulder seems manageable, but the toe is the real problem, and the one that could keep him off the field a little longer.
What Happened to Brock Purdy and How Long Is He Out For?
Right now, the timeline on Purdy is still set at about two to five weeks. However, there is a chance he could play in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals.
He’s been making progress in practice, and the 49ers believe this is on the milder side of turf toe injuries. Still, given how tricky these injuries can be, the team isn’t looking to gamble.
Purdy practiced leading up to Week 3, and is currently listed as questionable for the game against the Cardinals. However, Kyle Shanahan confirmed that it is “highly unlikely” Purdy will play in the upcoming game.
Kyle Shanahan said it’s “highly unlikely” that Brock Purdy will start on Sunday. The hope is that he’ll be able to be in uniform.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 19, 2025
Purdy himself confirmed that he will be a game-time decision for Week 3. “I’m happy with the progress I’m making,” the 49ers QB said. “It’s going to be a day-to-day thing.”
Brock Purdy is making progress, will see how he feels come game time. Knew something was wrong after the game. #49ers pic.twitter.com/k7XcI34LIc
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) September 18, 2025
They’ve seen what happens when players come back too soon. Just look at Joe Burrow, who had to go under the knife for a similar injury.
The silver lining here is that San Francisco isn’t panicking. That’s because Mac Jones stepped in during Week 2 and looked like the guy everyone thought he could be back in his Alabama days. Against the Saints, Jones completed 26 of 39 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns.
Mac Jones in his first start of the season:
23-for-33
253 passing yards
3 TD, 0 INTpic.twitter.com/B4M8NgdIQG— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) September 14, 2025
He did have a fumble in the third quarter. Still, outside of that, he was sharp, especially on those intermediate throws and during a perfectly executed two-minute drill before halftime.
Mac Jones’ Successful Debut with 49ers Gives Ease for Purdy’s Return
It was the kind of performance that gave the 49ers a sigh of relief. Not only did Jones guide them to a 26-21 win, but he also showed he can keep the ship steady until Purdy is ready to go. For a player who’s been trying to revive his career after tough stretches in New England and Jacksonville, this was exactly the kind of breakout he needed.
So what does all this mean for Purdy? Honestly, it means he can take his time. There’s no need to push him back onto the field at less than 100 percent when Jones is playing well and the team is winning. The 49ers have bigger goals than just surviving September; they’re thinking about January and February.
For now, fans will keep watching Jones run the offense while waiting for Purdy to get fully healthy. The only thing that matters is making sure when he does come back, he’s ready to stay back.
