49ers ‘not optimistic’ Brock Purdy will be ready for Week 3; Mac Jones to start vs. Saints
Purdy recovering from toe and shoulder injuries sustained in season opener; San Francisco says return timeline remains uncertain
The San Francisco 49ers said they are "not optimistic" that quarterback Brock Purdy will be available for Week 3 as they prepare to start Mac Jones against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter cited sources Sunday saying the team was keeping the door open if Purdy's recovery improves, but added, "We'll see for next week. Next week will be tight, but he progressed a lot this week." Head coach Kyle Shanahan called Purdy a "long shot" to play against the Saints after the starter suffered a toe injury in the season-opening win over the Seattle Seahawks and is also dealing with a left shoulder issue.
The toe injury was described by the team as "similar to turf toe, though not in the typical spot," and the 49ers warned it could keep Purdy out "multiple weeks." Purdy is in the first year of a five-year, $265 million contract extension signed this offseason.
San Francisco signed Jones in free agency on a two-year, $7 million deal after he spent last season in Jacksonville as Trevor Lawrence's backup. Jones, the 15th overall pick in the 2021 draft, showed early promise with 22 touchdown passes and a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie but struggled in later seasons in New England before being benched.
Shanahan expressed confidence in Jones ahead of the game, saying, "Mac's been awesome. Our team really believes in him." The coach also acknowledged the club is exploring options to bolster the quarterback room while Purdy is recovering.
Jones is scheduled to start when the 49ers open at 1 p.m. Sunday in New Orleans. The game will be followed by a Week 3 home meeting with the Arizona Cardinals, where the 49ers now enter a period of uncertainty about their long-term quarterback availability.
Purdy's injury comes as a setback to San Francisco's offensive plans after the offseason investment to lock him in as the franchise signal-caller. The 49ers will rely on Jones's experience and the team's supporting cast while monitoring Purdy's rehabilitation timeline, with updates expected as the week progresses and medical evaluations continue.