Sunday marked Brock Purdy's first game back for the San Francisco 49ers since aggravating his turf toe injury in Week 4. The quarterback looked like his usual self, leading the team to a decisive 41-22 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Purdy completed 19 of 26 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns, earning a 133.5 passer rating. More importantly, he appeared to escape his first action since September without further injury.
Speaking to reporters during a Monday conference call, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he hadn't had a chance to talk to Purdy since after the game, as players were off. The 49ers have an extra day this week ahead of their Monday night matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
"Just talking to him last night, I know he felt pretty good and seemed like he checked out alright," Shanahan said.
Purdy admitted after the game that he wasn't focused on the injury while on the field, which helped him to play at a high level.
"I was pretty good going into the game," Purdy said. "I mean, this is the reason why I told Kyle, 'It's time. It's ready, because I feel great.' You know, at practice, running around, all the things. So, coming into it, I didn't want to think about it at all, and I didn't. I just went out and played quarterback how I've always played. That's how I went about it. It feels great now and onto the next one."
Purdy initially injured his toe in the season opener and returned in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a comeback that Shanahan previously admitted may have been too soon. After a setback in that game, the 49ers were cautious with their franchise quarterback.
Backup Mac Jones performed well, keeping the team in playoff contention, but a strong week of practice finally convinced Purdy and the team that he was ready to return.
"It's always a challenge when you haven't played," Shanahan said. "I know he got to play versus Jacksonville, but that game, he totally wasn't himself because of the injury. So, he really, truly hasn't been able to play like himself since Week 1. Then so much goes on in between."
For some players, there is a mental hurdle to returning after a lengthy time on the sidelines. However, that wasn't an issue for Purdy.
"You always want to get to the game," Shanahan continued. "But how cool he was throughout the week, I think he made it very comfortable for all the guys, and pretty easy on us with what to expect.
"Then he was the exact same way in the game as he was all week. So, I think that speaks a lot about him and kind of how even keel he is."