49ers News
Purdy Targets Cardinals Return After Six-Week Absence
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy will practice aggressively on Wednesday as the 49ers prepare him to start Sunday against Arizona.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Purdy’s workload will increase significantly this week. The quarterback has been a limited participant in recent practices but hasn’t appeared in a game since Sept. 28, when he aggravated a toe injury during a 26-21 loss to Jacksonville.
“I think each week it’s gotten better, with last week being the best,” Shanahan said Wednesday. “Each week has been different. If he takes a big step forward this week, like he did last week, he should have a good chance to play.”
Purdy suffered turf toe in the season opener at Seattle. He missed two games before attempting to return against the Jaguars in Week 4. The injury worsened during that loss, forcing him back to the sideline for six consecutive weeks. Running back Christian McCaffrey offered an encouraging assessment after Wednesday’s practice. “He looks like Brock,” McCaffrey said, noting that Purdy is running and throwing well. The veteran said the young player appears ready to resume his role leading the offense.
Mac Jones has filled in during Purdy’s absence, posting a 5-3 record as the starter. The backup has thrown for over 1,500 yards and multiple touchdowns, keeping San Francisco in playoff contention at 6-4.
Shanahan made clear the starting job belongs to Purdy when healthy. “It’s been awesome how Mac’s played. He’s been great,” Shanahan said. “But we got a lot of confidence in Brock, and we know that Brock will play at a high level too, as long as he’s healthy.”
The 49ers face a critical stretch with favorable opponents ahead. Arizona enters Sunday’s game at 3-6, followed by home games against Carolina and a road trip to Cleveland before the Week 14 bye. San Francisco signed Purdy to a five-year contract extension worth $265 million before the season. The deal made him one of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks despite being selected last in the 2022 draft.
The medical staff has taken a cautious approach with Purdy’s recovery. Team officials do not expect the quarterback to reach full health at any point this season, according to Shanahan. The coach emphasized avoiding another setback like the one against Jacksonville.
Purdy holds a 24-14 record as a regular-season starter. He posted a 4-2 mark in the postseason before this year’s injury struggles derailed the campaign.
The 49ers will practice again on Thursday and Friday before traveling to State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Pacific time on Sunday.
