49ers vs. Giants injury report: Purdy ramping up; Winters, Gross-Matos return; No Pearsall

The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 9 contest against the New York Giants on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak wouldn't commit to naming a starting quarterback for Sunday's matchup against the New York Giants—but early indications suggest it could be Mac Jones once again. The encouraging news for the 49ers is that Brock Purdy continues to make progress in his recovery from the toe injury that has sidelined him for six games.

"Brock's getting better, I know that, which is good," Kubiak said. "He is doing more this week. He's taking a few more reps. We're going to let the week play out and see how it goes."

Kubiak also shared insight into a recent conversation with Purdy, acknowledging the quarterback's frustration with the lingering nature of the injury.

"It's an injury that's frustrating because it has an unpredictable nature to it, about when things are going to flare up, and kind of how it's going to react to things," Kubiak said. "He has been doing everything he can do. He has been patient, but it is frustrating for him. I know he wants to be out there. I know he's our quarterback, and he's our leader, and he wants to be out on the field with the guys.

"But he is doing what he needs to do. He's being patient, and he's getting better, and we're getting him back into practice."

Officially, Purdy remains a limited practice participant.

Returning Players

Several key players returned to practice on Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday. Linebacker Dee Winters and defensive linemen Alfred Collins, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Sam Okuayinonu were all back on the field, providing a boost to the 49ers' injury-depleted defense.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said he's optimistic that defensive end Bryce Huff could return as early as next week.

"Huff will be back next week," Saleh said. "Yetur is back. Sam O has been providing some production for us, also. Alfred has been surging."

Unfortunately, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall remains sidelined with a knee injury. However, there was a positive sign—he was spotted running and making cuts on a side field, which could indicate a return in the near future.

Why George Kittle is Changing His Facemask

Tight end George Kittle appeared on Wednesday's injury report with an oblique injury but was still a full participant in practice. On Thursday, however, another issue caught the attention of reporters. Speaking at his locker before practice, Kittle sported a noticeable black eye.

"I got punched in the face," Kittle shared. "I changed my facemask, though, now, so hopefully, that won't happen again. I got punched in the face twice in three games, and I think that's just not OK, so I changed the facemask up."

Below are Thursday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Giants, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.

San Francisco 49ers Thursday Practice

• C Jake Brendel (hamstring)
• DE Bryce Huff (hamstring)
• WR Ricky Pearsall (knee)

• G Ben Bartch (ankle)
• DT Alfred Collins (shoulder)
• DT Jordan Elliott (ankle)
• DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee, hamstring)
• DE Sam Okuayinonu (ankle)
• QB Brock Purdy (toe)
• CB Upton Stout (shoulder)
• LB Dee Winters (knee)

• T Spencer Burford (knee)
• DT Kalia Davis (hand)
• WR Jauan Jennings (ankle, rib, shoulder)
• QB Mac Jones (knee)
• TE George Kittle (oblique)
• RB Christian McCaffrey (not injury related - resting player)
• T Trent Williams (not injury related - resting player)

New York Giants Thursday Practice

• CB Paulson Adebo (knee)
• TE Daniel Bellinger (neck)
• T Jermaine Eluemunor (pectoral)
• CB Cordale Flott (concussion)
• DE Chauncey Golston (neck)
• CB Art Green (hamstring)

• WR Beaux Collins (quadricep)
• S Jevon Holland (knee)
• TE Chris Manhertz (illness)

• WR Jalin Hyatt (tooth)
• S Tyler Nubin (foot)
• CB Rico Payton (groin)
• G Greg Van Roten (not injury related - resting player)