Brock Purdy injury update: Kyle Shanahan confirms return timeline for 49ers QB

The San Francisco 49ers opened Week 5 with a hard-fought win over the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. However, they once again had to do it without their franchise quarterback in Brock Purdy, who remained sidelined due to a lingering toe injury.

That forced Mac Jones to step in as the starter, and he delivered once again, guiding the 49ers to their fourth victory of the season and improving his personal record as the starter to 3–0. While the offense continues to function like a well-oiled machine with Jones under center, San Francisco is still keeping a close eye on Purdy’s recovery timeline.

After the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan provided an update on his quarterback’s status. The news wasn’t particularly encouraging for those hoping to see Purdy back on the field soon.

“He reaggravated it,” Shanahan confirmed, regarding Purdy’s toe injury following Thursday’s win, via NFL.com. “He’s week to week. Don’t know how it will heal.”

Alas, the 49ers have been careful in managing Purdy’s toe issue, which has lingered since early in the season. He initially tried to play through it, but the injury has clearly limited his ability and led to some less-than-stellar play from the freshly-extended quarterback.

Moreover, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport previously reported that Purdy would be considered week-to-week, with no firm timetable for a return. That sentiment was echoed in Shanahan’s comments, signaling that San Francisco may be without Purdy for multiple weeks.

In the meantime, the team will look to continue to roll with Jones. The former Patriots first-rounder has played efficiently in relief, keeping the 49ers’ offense on track while leaning on the team’s stars and impressive defense. With playmakers like Christian McCaffrey leading the way, San Francisco’s supporting cast has allowed Jones to thrive.

Still, there’s no denying Purdy’s importance. The former Iowa State standout has been the face of San Francisco’s offense over the past two seasons, helping the 49ers stay among the NFC’s best. His absence looms large as the team tries to maintain its momentum through the middle of the season.

For now, the 49ers will monitor Purdy’s recovery and hope he can return before their schedule tightens up. Until then, Jones remains the starter, with San Francisco looking to keep piling up wins in the quarterback’s absence. Their next showdown will come in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.