San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is at risk of missing his third game of the season. The quarterback returned to the lineup on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars after sitting out Weeks 2 and 3 with a toe injury. However, he experienced renewed soreness after the game, casting doubt on his availability for Thursday night's divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, given the short week of preparation.
Was Purdy rushed back too soon? He doesn't think so.
"I was ready to go," Purdy said on Tuesday. "I felt pretty good, and for me to go out and execute on offense, and go through reads, and throw the ball throughout the week at practice, I felt great. And so I had a lot of confidence going into the game, thinking that was going to be good. So that was our decision, and we're rolling with it."
Purdy expected some discomfort after his return to the field. Still, his absence from Tuesday's lone practice session of the week fuels concern about his status.
"Yeah, it's something that we talked about," Purdy admitted. "Playing might lead to some soreness and stuff, so sort of expected it, but with a quick turnaround with a Thursday Night game and everything, it's just tougher. You don't have as many days to get right, heal up, and feel better. So it's just where we're at."
When asked if he could have played had the game been held Tuesday night instead of Thursday, Purdy was honest: "Tonight? No, but I have two days."
Despite the lingering soreness—and not practicing—Purdy remains optimistic about taking the field against the Rams.
"Honestly, Thursday Night football games, they come quick, so anything can happen," Purdy said. "But I'm still hopeful that I can [play]... If I can play this game, I'm going to play. Obviously, I want to get right and get healthy and everything, but we need to win this game against the Rams."
Like several of his teammates, Purdy could be a game-time decision for the Week 5 NFC West showdown at SoFi Stadium. If he's unable to go, Mac Jones will step in as the starter for the third time this season.