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49ers Spark Quarterback Controversy With 'Bizarre' Brock Purdy Plan

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Nov 1, 2025 2:49 PM ET

The 2025 season has been a nightmare for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. That's because he's been dealing with a turf toe injury since Week 1.

Purdy has been sidelined since Sept. 28. Mac Jones has filled in at quarterback during the former Mr. Irrelevant's absence. The 49ers are still 5-3 and in the mix for a playoff spot this season, but their offense has really slowed down without Purdy under center.

Unfortunately for 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, he won't have Purdy as his starter this Sunday against the New York Giants. It was announced that Jones will start for the fifth game in a row.

Interestingly enough, Purdy might be active for Sunday's game. If so, he'd be the backup quarterback for the 49ers.

Sep 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) leaves the field following the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

As you'd expect, fans are a bit confused by Purdy potentially being the No. 2 option on the depth chart for San Francisco.

"If he's healthy enough to be the back up and play if Mac gets hurt then why wouldn't he be the starter? That doesn't make any sense," one fan said.

"So dumb, either start him or dont suit up. What’s the point, seriously," a second fan replied.

"So if Brock could be available to play, and it turns out he is in fact available to play, why wouldn’t he start? Reps or not you’d be hard pressed to find another starting QB in the NFL who wouldn’t start if available, regardless of reps," another person wrote. "Especially at $53m per."

Oct 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) reacts after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Do the 49ers have a QB controversy?

Jones has kept the 49ers afloat, make no mistake about it. That being said, he hasn't played nearly well enough to keep the starting job. In fact, he has two touchdowns and four interceptions in the past three games.

Let's also not forget that Purdy received a five-year, $265 million extension from the 49ers this past offseason. They want to make sure their high-priced quarterback is fully healthy before returning to action.

After the 49ers finish Sunday's game against the Giants, they'll get themselves ready for an NFC West showdown with the Los Angeles Rams.

It wouldn't surprise us to see Purdy start for the 49ers in Week 10.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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