Brock Purdy is set to return as the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. This decision comes after Purdy missed significant time due to a turf toe injury, sidelining him for eight of the ten games this season. “I’m in a really good spot. It’s the best I’ve felt this year,” Purdy stated following a full practice session on Thursday, despite the rainy conditions.
Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the decision to reinstate Purdy in a recent interview with NBC Sports Bay Area. This marks a shift as Mac Jones, who has started the previous six games, will move to the bench. The 49ers currently hold a record of 6-4, and while Shanahan noted Purdy’s toe would not fully heal this season, the quarterback feels prepared to perform at his best. “I’ll do whatever it takes to help lead this team, seven more games this year, make a playoff run and go achieve our goal,” he emphasized.
Purdy signed a franchise-record contract during the offseason, worth five years and $265 million. Despite the pressure of this investment, he clarified that his return is not about justifying the deal or impacting Jones’ career. “I absolutely love Mac and what he’s done. He came in, played extremely well and kept our team alive and moving,” Purdy remarked.
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak expressed optimism about Purdy’s confidence returning to the field. “He looks more confident, and that’s been the goal,” Kubiak stated. Purdy elaborated on his physical readiness, stating, “Dropping back and throwing, it’s been pretty good for a while… I need to move a little bit… Now I feel really good and ready to go.”
Injuries have plagued the 49ers this season, and Purdy’s situation is no exception. He previously returned from a two-game absence but struggled in a September 28 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, worsening his injury in that match. Teammates have shown enthusiasm for his return, particularly tight end George Kittle, who has missed games due to a hamstring injury. “I think that will get going pretty fast,” Kittle said, expressing eagerness to rekindle their successful passing partnership.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is also expected to return after missing six games due to a knee injury. He shared his excitement about Purdy’s comeback, stating, “I’m happy to see Brock back and healthy, and same with me.”
Despite some voices in the media advocating for Jones to remain as starter, 49ers general manager John Lynch dismissed their opinions. “We have our own process. That’s up to Kyle and his coaching staff,” Lynch quipped, referencing analysts like Tom Brady and Richard Sherman who suggested sticking with Jones.
In addition to these quarterback changes, the 49ers are dealing with multiple injuries. Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir has surfaced in the injury report with a calf issue, contributing to a growing list of injuries sustained during Thursday practices this season. Defensive linemen Alfred Collins, Kalia Davis, and Keion White were also injured during last week’s practice, with running back Christian McCaffrey and others previously added to the injury list.
Pearsall, who faced his own recovery challenges, explained the complexities of returning from a posterior cruciate ligament injury. “If you look at how PCLs recover… it’s not an easy process to just turn around in a week and come back,” he noted, stressing the importance of patience.
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh acknowledged the challenges faced by the team’s younger players, particularly after a disappointing 42-16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. “It’s a young group. They’re eager to learn. They want to fix mistakes,” Saleh commented, indicating that practice has been productive as they prepare to rebound.
As the 49ers gear up for their next challenge, Purdy’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the remainder of the season and aiming for a playoff berth.
