San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was inactive for Sunday's 42-26 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but head coach Kyle Shanahan says the decision wasn't entirely due to Purdy's inability to play. Instead, the 49ers opted to be cautious with their franchise quarterback as he continues recovering from a turf toe injury.
Backup quarterback Mac Jones performed well in the Week 10 defeat, throwing for 319 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Still, the 49ers' defense couldn't contain Matthew Stafford and a red-hot Rams offense in the lopsided loss at Levi's Stadium.
After the game, Shanahan revealed that Purdy was close to being available to play but that the coach decided against taking the risk with his starting signal-caller.
"He could have gone, definitely," Shanahan said. "I just decided to hold him, not put him in that situation."
Purdy initially suffered the turf toe injury in Week 1 and made his return in Week 4, only to suffer a setback that has kept him sidelined since. Shanahan has previously acknowledged that the injury may linger throughout the season, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between recovery and readiness before Purdy returns to action.
When might that happen?
"It depends on how close to 100% he gets," Shanahan explained. "Our dilemma—or what we're trying not to do—is put him out in the situation we did versus Jacksonville five weeks ago, or six, whatever it was.
"I do believe he's closer and further along than what he was at that time, so hopefully, he'll have a chance this week."
The 49ers are hopeful Purdy can return soon as they look to rebound and fight for a playoff spot. Until then, Shanahan and the coaching staff plan to continue prioritizing Purdy's long-term health, which is easier to do now that Jones has proven himself a capable player under center.
Next up for the 49ers: a Week 11 contest against the Cardinals in Glendale, Arizona.