San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has missed seven games this season, appearing only in Weeks 1 and 4. He continues to deal with a lingering turf toe injury sustained in the season opener—and aggravated during his brief return.
The 49ers have taken a cautious approach with Purdy's recovery. Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young believes that if Purdy felt ready, he would already be back on the field.
"At some point, Brock, I would suspect, would say, 'Hey, enough. I'm playing,'" Young said during an interview on Bay Area radio station KNBR. "And those conversations, I've got to believe, have happened. If Brock could go out, I think Brock would force it."
Young believes that it's likely Purdy himself who doesn't feel ready to return, as he's still not at full strength. Fortunately, backup quarterback Mac Jones has played well in his absence, helping San Francisco to a 6-3 record.
Still, the 49ers eagerly await Purdy's return as they continue to battle through injuries and push for the playoffs down the stretch.
"I feel like if Brock could somehow play, he would force the issue," Young added. "I would. I would force it publicly, I would force it privately, I would make it happen. And so, it must be—and I know Brock—I would suspect, he can't make it happen because he's not healthy enough."
"At some point Brock — I suspect — would say, 'Enough. I'm playing.' I'd force it publicly, I'd force it privately. I'd make it happen."
Steve Young thinks eventually Brock Purdy needs to force the issue, whether or not he's truly "100 percent" healthy.
(via @knbrmurph &… pic.twitter.com/hlQlGVnM40
— KNBR (@KNBR) November 5, 2025