The San Francisco 49ers continue to navigate quarterback uncertainty as Brock Purdy works his way back from the toe injury he suffered in Week 1. Purdy returned briefly in Week 4 but aggravated the injury in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, forcing him to sit out last week's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
On Thursday morning, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter appeared on Get Up and provided an update that suggests Purdy may remain sidelined when the 49ers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6.
"As for Brock Purdy, the 49ers quarterback, he also did not practice yesterday due to that turf toe," Schefter said, per Dan Morrison of On3 Media. "We could get another helping of Mac Jones, who's been tremendous for the 49ers so far, beating the Los Angeles Rams last Thursday night in LA.
"We'll see whether Purdy can get back out there, but the fact that he wasn't out there Wednesday to start the week usually is a sign that we could see Mac Jones square off against Baker Mayfield on Sunday."
The 49ers don't seem to have a definitive timetable for Purdy's return, with the quarterback remaining week-to-week. General manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday and emphasized that while Purdy isn't practicing, he's continuing to rehab and build strength.
"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 explained. "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."
Of course, Purdy isn't the only 49ers quarterback ailing. The team is preparing for another start from Mac Jones, who is managing both knee and oblique injuries after taking a beating against the Rams. Despite the lingering issues, Lynch expressed confidence that Jones will be ready by Sunday.
"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."
Jones has started three games for San Francisco this season, completing 66.7% of his passes for 905 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception while filling in for Purdy. Unless Purdy makes unexpected progress, all signs point to Jones starting again when the 49ers take on the Buccaneers in Week 6.