49ers Get Positive Injury Update on Brock Purdy After Scare vs. Seahawks

Santa Clara, CA – September 18, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers emerged from their gritty 30-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints with more than just a hard-fought win in Week 2. They also brought back some relief, particularly regarding the status of quarterback Brock Purdy, who sat out the game due to lingering injuries from Week 1.

Purdy missed the matchup after suffering a toe and left shoulder injury in the 49ers' opener against the Jets, initially raising fears of a multi-week absence that could derail San Francisco's early-season momentum. Ruled out for the Saints game, his sideline presence and post-game comments hinted at optimism, but the team held its breath for clearer news.

On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan delivered an unexpectedly encouraging update, revealing that Purdy was not limited in practice last week and remains in contention for the upcoming Week 3 clash against the Arizona Cardinals. "He wasn't limited last week," Shanahan said, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "He still has a chance [to play]." The toe injury, similar to a turf toe issue, appears to be the more pressing concern, but medical evaluations suggest it's manageable and not a long-term threat.

Shanahan's words echoed a sense of cautious hope in the locker room. "We're confident in where we are at QB, no matter what," the coach added, emphasizing the depth behind Purdy. If the signal-caller isn't fully cleared, he could suit up as a backup to Mac Jones, who stepped in admirably against New Orleans.

Christian McCaffrey, fresh off a dominant performance with 112 rushing yards and a touchdown, voiced strong support for the backup plan. "In this league, whether you're the starter or the backup, you have to be ready to go at any time," McCaffrey told reporters, via Wagoner. "NFL is unpredictable with so much talent on the field. Mac has proven he can get it done, and having him as our backup is huge."

Jones, the former Alabama star and 2021 first-round pick (No. 15 overall) by the New England Patriots, delivered a solid debut for the 49ers, completing 26 of 39 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in the win over the Saints. Over three seasons with the Pats, he appeared in 42 games, amassing 8,918 yards and 46 touchdowns against 36 interceptions. After a stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, Jones signed a two-year, $8.4 million deal with San Francisco this offseason, positioning him as a reliable No. 2.

Purdy, the 2022 seventh-round gem who has blossomed into the 49ers' franchise quarterback, offered a cryptic but hopeful tease after the game: "We'll see" on his Week 3 availability. His rapid rise from Mr. Irrelevant to NFC Championship starter had been a storyline, but this first major injury test underscores the fragility at the position.

The 49ers battled through without their starter, leaning on Jones' poise and a balanced attack that saw Deebo Samuel haul in 85 yards and a score. Yet, with a pivotal divisional matchup against the Cardinals looming—where Kyler Murray's mobility could test the secondary—San Francisco desperately needs Purdy's precision back under center.

Shanahan remains bullish on the outlook. "Brock's tough, and we're handling this the right way," he said. "But Mac showed why we brought him here. We're in good shape either way." As the 49ers sit at 2-0, this positive twist could propel them deeper into contender status, provided the medical staff's timeline holds true. Even a brief absence highlights the value of depth in a league where one snap can change everything.