49ers have no reason to rush Brock Purdy back

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy missed Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams due to a lingering toe injury, and it sounds like he could be facing another multi-game absence.

Purdy hurt his toe during San Francisco's season-opening game against the Seattle Seahawks. He then sat out in Week 2 and Week 3 after being diagnosed with turf toe. Purdy returned for the 49ers' Week 4 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, which was a 26-21 loss.

Though he was able to finish Sunday's game, Purdy has since experienced soreness in his toe. Backup signal-caller Mac Jones started in his place again on Thursday night.

Jones is thriving in Kyle Shanahan's offense

Jones made his third start for the 49ers on Thursday night, and he played at a Pro Bowl level once again. The former New England Patriots first-round pick led San Francisco to a 26-23 overtime win over the Rams, who were more than a touchdown favorite in the game.

Jones completed 33-of-49 passes for 342 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He has now averaged more than 300 yards per start in 2025 and has six touchdown passes compared to just one pick. Jones is tied for 13th in the NFL in passing yardage and has played one less game than most of his peers.

Purdy reportedly suffered a setback

Before the kickoff of "Thursday Night Football" between the Niners and Rams, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that Purdy suffered a setback with his turf toe condition in Week 4. The former Pro Bowl QB was hit in the same way in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars that he was initially hit when he suffered the injury in San Francisco's season opener.

According to Rapoport, Purdy might miss the 49ers' Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well.

"My understanding is that Brock Purdy suffered a setback in the loss against the Jaguars. Basically, he got hit the same way (as when he initially injured his toe). Remember, he was dealing with that turf toe injury," Rapoport said. "He came in and reported soreness. He had an MRI. The MRI revealed an aggravation of that turf toe — not major, major, but out tonight.

"I'm told he's considered week-to-week after this. They play the Bucs next week. He could miss that game as well."