The San Francisco 49ers haven't ruled out the possibility that quarterback Brock Purdy could return this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters on Wednesday, the team's first practice of the week leading up to Week 3, and revealed that Purdy will be a limited participant.
Asked if Purdy has a chance to play this weekend, Shanahan said, "Yeah, he does have a chance."
Shanahan emphasized that Purdy's limited practice participation, after not practicing at all last week, is a positive sign in his recovery from the toe injury he suffered in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. The coach also confirmed that Purdy could serve as the emergency quarterback behind Mac Jones and Adrian Martinez on Sunday.
When asked about his conversations with Purdy, Shanahan said, "Mainly just how he's feeling, and how he thinks he can go, what he thinks he can do today, what he thinks he could do tomorrow, Friday, and Sunday. It really doesn't have anything to do with how Mac played. Whether it was good or bad, it doesn't really affect that. I just talk about where Brock's at right now."
Shanahan confirmed that Purdy remains in pain, though, so that discomfort might need to be managed.
Purdy's absence in Week 2 allowed Mac Jones to start against the New Orleans Saints. Jones completed 66.7% of his 39 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns, finishing with a 113.1 passer rating. The 49ers won 26-21, improving their record to 2-0.
Jones signed with the 49ers in March to serve as Purdy's backup. He was originally selected 15th overall by the New England Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft and spent three seasons in New England before being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024.
Will not practice on Wednesday:
- DE Nick Bosa (vet day)
- OL Spencer Burford (knee)
- DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)
- WR Jauan Jennings (ankle, shoulder)
- FB Kyle Juszczyk (concussion)
- RB Christian McCaffrey (calf, vet day)
- CB Siran Neal (concussion)
- OT Trent Williams (knee, vet day)
On Monday, Shanahan said Burford would be re-evaluated as this week progressed. He provided the following update on Wednesday:
"We're still in that same spot. We're going to see how he responds throughout the week, and give him the whole week, and assess it as it goes."