Brock

Purdy

So here are the facts on the ground: After the Giants game last week, Kyle Shanahan “acknowledged that Purdy likely wouldn’t return to full health at any point this season as he deals with turf toe.” Shanahan later said “Our dilemma or what we’re trying not to do is put him out in the situation we did versus Jacksonville six weeks ago ... I do believe he’s closer and further along than what he was at that time. Hopefully he’ll have a chance this week.” What does it mean to be healthy enough? Purdy certainly didn’t play well against the Jaguars in Week 4. But if he’s never going to be fully healthy again this season, it doesn’t take an expert between-the-lines reader to see a scenario where Mac Jones simply keeps starting every week. Especially if the 49ers continue losing and fall out of playoff contention. We’re not saying that this is what is going to happen. But it shouldn’t be surprising if the 49ers continue to start Jones. As Wagoner puts it: “Purdy could, hypothetically, reach 90% health but is that better than Jones at full strength? It would be easy enough for the 49ers to continue riding with Jones given the possibility Purdy could struggle or, worse, reaggravate the toe injury again.”

In essence, what Shanahan is saying is Purdy was healthy enough to play if needed, but the team ultimately decided to scratch him from Sunday’s game to ensure that didn’t happen. Shanahan said he wants to make sure Purdy is as close to 100 percent as possible before putting his QB1 back on the field and said Purdy has a chance to suit up for Week 11 when the Niners visit the Cardinals. Purdy hasn’t played since Week 4 against the Jaguars, but suffered his turf toe injury in Week 1. His status will be one to monitor throughout the week, but Purdy continues to trend in the right direction.

The 49ers had seven questionable players, of which Purdy and Alfred Collins (hip) will not play. Mac Jones will start yet again. Also inactive for the 49ers are: RB Jordan James, WR Ricky Pearsall (knee), OL Connor Colby, DT Sebastian Valdez and S Marques Sigle.

Technically, Purdy could return today as the 49ers’ backup quarterback. He is listed as questionable for Week 10, but Mac Jones has already been announced as the starter. If he’s ready to play next week, the assumption is that he will be active as the starter. Purdy reaggravated the foot issue once already and the 49ers aren’t taking any chances with his second return to play. Jones’ solid play has also given them more leeway to take their time with Purdy’s recovery. Jones will remain a high-end QB2 for as long as Purdy is stuck on the sidelines.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Thursday that a decision on whether Purdy will “suit up” would be made this afternoon. Apparently, that decision is a “maybe,” though only as the backup, if active. 49ers QB Mac Jones will once again serve as the team’s starter. He profiles as a high-end QB2 against the Rams’ tough defense.

Per Shanahan, Purdy is “getting closer to returning.” Just last week, the 49ers decided not to have Purdy active, even for backup duties, after practicing in a limited capacity all week. He remains limited through two Week 10 practices. While Shanahan’s words are encouraging, caution is advised. Stay tuned, tomorrow afternoon.

This is just what Purdy does these days. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters last week that Purdy had a chance to be active as a backup in Week 9 against the Giants. He was instead declared inactive before kickoff. It remains to be seen when he will return, though he will likely need to practice in full, repeatedly, before doing so.

Mac Jones was announced as the team’s starter earlier in the week and Purdy won’t even get the chance to be his backup today. That job will fall to Adrian Martinez. Purdy will need to get in a full practice before returning to the lineup. He has only been practicing in a limited capacity for a few weeks. At this point, it’s anyone’s guess as to when is back out there.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that Purdy “has got a chance to be available” on Sunday, but QB Mac Jones will start. The fact that Purdy has a chance to be active as a backup on game day gives one the impression that he could return to the lineup in Week 10 against the Rams, though that cannot be viewed as a guarantee, or even likely, at this point. The 49ers are smartly committed to letting their starting quarterback fully heal.

Purdy remains limited while Mac Jones (knee) continues to practice in full. The 49ers have made clear that they will not let Purdy take the field on game day if his toe injury is still an issue. It appears as though Jones will make yet another start this week, this time against the Giants. Jones is a high-end QB2 for the occasion.