San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday, providing an encouraging update on quarterback Brock Purdy, who hasn't played since Week 4 after reaggravating a turf toe injury.
Ahead of last week's game against the New York Giants, the 49ers listed Purdy as questionable for the first time since his setback—a sign of progress. However, he was ultimately ruled inactive for the Week 9 matchup.
While Purdy's Week 10 status remains uncertain, Shanahan shared that the second-year quarterback has continued to increase his workload during practice and is trending in the right direction.
"I think we're definitely being more aggressive with him as we go this week, more aggressive than last week," Shanahan said. "He's definitely getting better each week, heading in the right direction. Still haven't decided this week whether we'd rule him out or not. We'll probably do that tomorrow after practice, but Brock's definitely getting closer."
Some have questioned whether Purdy's lingering toe injury could end his season, as he's missed all but two games to this point. Shanahan, however, dismissed that concern, expressing confidence that his starting quarterback will return to the field.
"I'm pretty confident you'll see him this year," Shanahan stated.
Until Purdy is fully cleared, the 49ers are in steady hands with Mac Jones, who has played efficiently in his absence and helped keep San Francisco firmly in the playoff race.
During his own radio interview on Thursday, general manager John Lynch was asked whether Purdy might suit up as Jones' backup before reclaiming the starting role.
"I think everything's predicated on the health," Lynch said. "And if we felt like that was a next step in allowing him to get healthy—Kyle's been very clear: this is Brock's team when he's healthy. But maybe, at some point, that could be the next step towards getting back to that number one spot.
"So, I think everything's available to us and we'll do what's in the best interest of Brock and in the best interest of our team."