49ers injury update: Report casts doubt on Brock Purdy’s recovery time

Over the weekend, The Athletic's NFL insider Dianna Russini reported that the San Francisco 49ers expect quarterback Brock Purdy—along with wide receiver Ricky Pearsall—to return in Week 8 against the Houston Texans. That would provide a significant boost for the offense as the 49ers look to build on their 5-2 record.

Before Sunday night's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group noted that Purdy looked good walking to the locker room after a pregame workout.

"Chipper, upbeat, looks to be improving from [the] toe injury," Inman wrote.

Despite the encouraging sign, Purdy was already ruled out, with Mac Jones making his fifth straight start in his place.

However, NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark offered a more cautious update during the broadcast, sharing details from her pregame conversation with Purdy.

"In addition to being extremely painful, turf toe limits the toe's ability to flex, and Brock told me any movement in the wrong direction can set him back," Stark explained. "He said he is truly day-to-day. There is no timeline for his return. He called this injury 'so annoying,' saying he's never dealt with something that lingers this long."

Purdy first suffered the turf toe injury in Week 1 and briefly returned in Week 4, only to suffer a setback and land back on the sideline.

Stark's comments seemingly cast some doubt on Russini's initial Week 8 return projection. However, if Purdy truly remains day-to-day, his availability will depend on how his toe responds this week, and he could still be available against the Texans.

The quarterback was a limited participant in practice throughout last week, but how much he participates when the 49ers return to the field on Wednesday will be a key indicator of his status.

If Purdy is unable to suit up against the Texans, the 49ers remain confident in Mac Jones under center, with Adrian Martinez serving as his backup.