The 49ers aren’t ruling out the possibility of Brock Purdy playing in Week 3.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Wednesday that the star quarterback’s toe injury has improved enough to where he’s been able to practice on a limited basis.
This comes after initial reports estimated that Purdy would miss two to five weeks with a variant of turf toe.
Seeking a 3-0 start, the 49ers host the Cardinals on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET).
Will Brock Purdy Play in Week 3?
Purdy was a limited participant Wednesday, but the fact he was able to practice is a positive sign for his availability.
Interestingly, Shanahan did not close the door on Purdy suiting up against the Cardinals.
“There’s a chance,” Shanahan said of Purdy playing.
Should Purdy miss another game, Mac Jones will make his second consecutive start. Jones, 27, played well in Week 2 against the Saints, completing 26 of 39 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns. The 49ers won 26-21.
“I know I can play really well, and this organization and team has done a really good job just trying to get me on track,” Jones said.
Even if Purdy isn’t healthy enough to start, Matt Barrows of The Athletic suggested Purdy could serve as an emergency backup.
Practice squad quarterback Adrian Martinez served as the backup last week.
How Did Brock Purdy Get Hurt?
Purdy sustained injuries to his toe and left non-throwing shoulder in Week 1 against Seattle. Still, he played every snap and threw for 277 yards and two scores, including a game-winning 4-yard touchdown to tight end Jake Tonges with 1:34 left.
After missing practice, Purdy was called a “longshot” to play in Week 2. At the time, Shanahan said it was “possible” that Purdy could miss multiple games.
Purdy’s return certainly would be an encouraging development for the 49ers, who signed the 25-year-old to a five-year, $265 million extension during the offseason.
The 49ers selected Purdy with the 262nd and final pick of the 2022 draft. In 2023, his second full season as a starter, he threw for 3,864 yards and 20 touchdowns to go with 12 interceptions. He also ran for five scores.
The 49ers are 2-0 for the fourth time since Shanahan took over in 2017. In each of the last three instances, they reached at least the NFC title game.
49ers Give Surprising Update on Health of Star Quarterback