The San Francisco 49ers released their first Week 6 practice participation report on Wednesday, and it included several key names. Quarterback Mac Jones appeared with both a knee and an oblique injury. While the knee issue was expected, the oblique concern was new, likely the result of the punishment Jones absorbed in last week's overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams.
Jones was a limited participant in practice. On Thursday morning, general manager John Lynch joined KNBR and provided an encouraging update on the quarterback currently starting in place of Brock Purdy.
"I think we feel pretty good about where he's going to be at," Lynch said. "If you saw him play through that game, that was real-life stuff. You saw it, and you saw toughness and grit, and you saw a guy stepping up and playing through some things. But I think Mac's in good shape, who will continue to work to it by Sunday. We're hopeful and believe that he's going to be in a good spot."
With Purdy still sidelined, Jones appears on track to make his fourth start of the season when the 49ers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend.
Brock Purdy injury update
Purdy continues to recover from a toe injury that has kept him out of action. The 49ers' starting quarterback, who signed a five-year, $265 million extension this offseason, remains without a firm timetable for return.
"I don't think I can give you a completely accurate and direct [timeline] because I think it's just like, when is he going to feel right to go play, and when are we going to make that decision?" Lynch said. "I can tell you, although he's not on the practice field, he's out here working. He's doing a lot of things, trying to build up the strength and get that thing in a good spot. So I think he'll continue to do that, and when he's ready, he'll be ready."
Wide receiver updates: Aiyuk, Pearsall, Jenning
Lynch also addressed the health of San Francisco's banged-up receiving corps—Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings.
Lynch noted that he could see Aiyuk working on the practice field from his window. The GM stated, "He's been working really hard. He's coming along, he's making strides."
Pearsall missed last week's game against the Rams with a knee injury and has yet to practice this week.
"Ricky is fighting through," Lynch said. "I think [he] still hasn't given up hope for this week. He wasn't on the practice field yesterday. Not likely to be out there today. We'll see if he can get in later in the week."
As for Jennings, the veteran receiver has already missed two games this season and sat out Wednesday's practice. Lynch stated Jennings is doing everything he can to return to the field.
"I think he'll probably practice in a limited fashion today, and we'll see if he can make it for Sunday," Lynch explained.
George Kittle injury update
Tight end George Kittle remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. While the 49ers didn't open his practice window this week, Lynch sounded optimistic about his progress.
"I do believe we're getting there," Lynch said. "There's going to be a good chance for next week. George, he got that hamstring pretty good, and it's taken some time. We want to ensure that when he comes back, he can be the George Kittle that—I mean, there's no governor on George Kittle, if you watched him play, and we don't want him to have to play with the governor.
"We thought, maybe at some point, that there might be a chance on this week. It didn't end up happening. I'm fairly confident he'll get back on the practice field next week, and then we'll see what kind of place is he in to go compete right away, or is it practice for a week? We'll get to that probably next week, when that time comes."