Mac Jones to Start Again for 49ers as Brock Purdy Nears Return from Toe Injury

The San Francisco 49ers are sticking with Mac Jones at quarterback for at least one more week, but there are encouraging signs regarding Brock Purdy’s recovery. Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced Friday that Jones will start Sunday’s home game against the New York Giants, while Purdy has been upgraded to questionable for the first time in over a month.

Purdy has been sidelined since aggravating a right big toe injury in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a setback from an initial injury sustained in the season opener against Seattle. Although his recovery has been slow, this marks the first week since his absence began that he has not been ruled out by midweek.

“It means he’s got a chance to be available,” Shanahan said Friday. “Mac is going to be starting.” The coach’s tone suggested optimism that Purdy could return in some capacity, possibly as a backup or emergency third quarterback.

The 49ers, who are 4–4 and looking to regain footing after a series of injuries, continue to juggle health concerns at multiple positions. Sunday’s matchup with the 2–6 Giants comes at a pivotal point in their season as they aim to stay competitive in the NFC playoff race.

1. Purdy Making Gradual Progress in Recovery

After missing the team’s last four games, Purdy took another step forward this week by participating in all three practices, marking the third consecutive week of limited involvement. However, Shanahan noted that Purdy’s workload with the starting offense increased slightly compared to prior weeks. “The first time he came back, we let him get all those starter reps and it was great,” Shanahan said. “Then he re-aggravated it in the game, and he’s been out for a month. This week he got more reps, but we’re easing him back more carefully this time.” The 49ers remain cautious with Purdy’s recovery after the earlier setback. Shanahan admitted the quarterback’s toe is “not fully healthy,” though his ability to handle increased activity without discomfort is a promising sign. If his condition holds up through Sunday, Purdy could dress as Jones’ backup, with Adrian Martinez serving as the third quarterback. For Purdy, who has started just two of San Francisco’s first nine games, the prolonged recovery has been mentally taxing. “He’s frustrated,” Shanahan said. “He’s talked to a lot of people who’ve had this injury and understands that it can take time. But it’s hard when something just doesn’t go away.”

2. 49ers Managing Multiple Key Injuries

The quarterback situation is only part of San Francisco’s broader injury challenges heading into Week 9. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall remains out with a right knee injury sustained in Week 4, while defensive end Bryce Huff, center Jake Brendel, and defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos have all been ruled out with hamstring issues. The absences continue to test the 49ers’ depth, particularly along the defensive front and offensive line. Shanahan, however, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adjust, citing recent roster moves that could provide immediate help. One such move is the acquisition of defensive lineman Keion White from the New England Patriots earlier this week. Despite joining the team only days ago, White is expected to make his 49ers debut against the Giants. “He’s going to play,” Shanahan confirmed, noting that White’s familiarity with similar defensive schemes made the transition easier. Even with mounting injuries, Shanahan emphasized the team’s focus on consistency and resilience. “Every team faces adversity,” he said. “For us, it’s about staying locked in and getting better each week, regardless of who’s available.”

3. San Francisco’s Season at a Crossroads

As the midpoint of the season approaches, the 49ers face a critical stretch that could determine whether they remain in the NFC playoff conversation. The team’s 0–4 record in games Purdy has missed underscores how much his presence stabilizes the offense, while Jones continues to gain valuable experience in his stead. Jones, who joined the team in the offseason, has shown flashes of efficiency but has yet to deliver a statement performance. Sunday’s contest offers another chance for the former Patriots quarterback to prove he can sustain drives and limit turnovers while the 49ers await Purdy’s full recovery. For Shanahan and his staff, the focus remains on balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term health. Rushing Purdy back prematurely earlier in the season backfired, and the team appears determined not to repeat that mistake. Still, with the NFC race tightening, each game carries increased urgency. Whether Jones can keep the offense steady — and whether Purdy can finally return — could define San Francisco’s trajectory in the second half of the season.