San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a lingering turf toe injury. Listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the New York Giants, there was optimism Purdy might suit up for the first time since Week 4. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Friday that Mac Jones would get the start.
Ninety minutes before kickoff, the 49ers officially ruled Purdy inactive for the Week 9 game at MetLife Stadium, ending his chances of returning. After the team's 34-24 victory, Shanahan discussed how close Purdy was to playing and outlined what the process will look like moving forward as San Francisco prepares to face the Los Angeles Rams.
"We'll reassess it the same way we did this week," Shanahan said. "Wasn't that close to doing it. I considered it throughout the week, but I just want to make sure he gets 100% better and [we] don't put him out there too early. Thought about it as a possible backup or emergency [quarterback], but I think the more time we give him, the better."
Purdy has been considered week-to-week since aggravating his injury. He initially suffered turf toe in Week 1, returned briefly in Week 4, then suffered a setback that has kept him out since. Sunday's contest marked his seventh missed game of the 2025 NFL season.
The quarterback's practice workload continues to increase, which means his return could be soon.
When asked if the uncertainty around Purdy's availability affects Mac Jones' preparation, Shanahan said it doesn't.
"No, nothing changes Mack in that way," Shanahan explained. "We're trying to ease Brock out there in the practice stuff, but anytime you're dealing with this turf toe, it's something that probably won't fully go away all year. Regardless of when he comes back, he's going to always have to deal with it a little bit, especially with the people you talk to who have gone through turf toe.
"So, it's really about just assessing when's the best time to come back, that you have to deal with it the least. And it's a little bit of a tricky decision."
The positive news for 49ers fans is that Shanahan does not expect Purdy to need offseason surgery to repair any long-term damage.
With the win over the Giants, the 49ers improved to 6-3, and look to further climb the NFC West standings with a win over the Rams next week. Shanahan rewarded his players with a day off on Monday.
"Then, we'll see them on Wednesday and get back to work," he added.