Brock Purdy Could Return This Weekend for 49ers, Coach Says He Has a Chance
San Francisco eyes a pivotal Week 3 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals as Purdy’s status remains uncertain.
Brock Purdy could be back on the San Francisco 49ers’ lineup this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals after missing the team’s last game with shoulder and toe injuries, two weeks after the injuries occurred.
Purdy was limited at practice on Wednesday, and head coach Kyle Shanahan said he has a chance to play against the Cardinals. If Purdy cannot go, Mac Jones would make his second straight start after completing 26 of 39 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns in Week 2 against the Saints.
Purdy, known as Mr. Irrelevant from the 2022 NFL Draft, signed a five-year extension in May worth 265 million, with 181 million guaranteed, as San Francisco views him as the quarterback of the future and seeks durability to maximize the return on that deal. Shanahan has emphasized protecting Purdy’s health as a priority, especially with 14 more games left in the regular season after this weekend.
Both the Cardinals and 49ers entered the weekend at 2-0, and the winner would move to 3-0 in a surprise early division-facing landscape. The upcoming game carries significant divisional implications, adding pressure on the club to balance the pursuit of a win with the long-term health of its starter.
Shanahan will balance the prize of an early-season division edge with Purdy’s long-term health, as San Francisco navigates a 14-game slate to finish the year and defend a high-stakes playoff position.