A bounce-back year for the San Francisco 49ers has seen the team start off 2-0, despite most of the roster seemingly falling off the bone. After Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, San Francisco received a huge setback in the form of their recently extended quarterback, Brock Purdy, who was suffering from turf toe injury. As a result, the former Mr. Irrelevant had to miss their Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints.
In his absence, Mac Jones was able to hold his own and register the second win of the season for the 49ers. However, it’s unclear if their starting quarterback will be ready for Week 3. Going up against a much stronger opponent in the form of the 2-0 Arizona Cardinals, the team is going to need all hands on deck. Will that include Purdy when the 49ers take the field on Sunday?
Will Brock Purdy Play Against the Arizona Cardinals?
Update 09/21/2025: 49ers QB Brock Purdy will not play in Week 3, giving Mac Jones another starting chance with the team. Although healing quickly, Purdy will be sidelined for one more week with his shoulder and toe injuries.
At the time of the injury, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that he would be out for two to five weeks, depending on his progress. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan was more optimistic about his timeline, claiming Purdy would be back in two to three weeks.
As it turns out, his optimism wasn’t fully misplaced. “I think there’s a chance [Brock Purdy could play against the Arizona Cardinals],” Shanahan said after the win over New Orleans. However, all signs point towards that timeline being a little too fast for the former Pro Bowler.
Purdy practiced leading up to Week 3 and is currently listed as questionable for the game against the Cardinals. However, the 49ers’ head coach confirmed that it is highly unlikely that Purdy will play in the upcoming game.
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.” The biggest sigh of relief for fans is that the injury isn’t the same variation as Joe Burrow, who needed surgery with a three-month return timeline after his diagnosis.
The #49ers are starting QB Mac Jones on Sunday Vs Arizona Cardinals, with plans of having QB Brock Purdy start WK4 Vs Jaguars barring a set back. #FTTB pic.twitter.com/qzh90zaDK5
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) September 20, 2025
After the Cardinals, San Francisco faces the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. However, their biggest hurdle early on is against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5, another team that could potentially win the division.
Last week, Jones, in Purdy’s absence, threw three touchdowns and looked fully comfortable in the 49ers’ system. As a result, it stands to reason that the Niners want to protect their $50M+ asset in the long run.
