Brock Purdy’s Status Uncertain Ahead of Thursday Showdown Against Rams

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is uncertain for Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams due to a toe injury. Purdy, who missed Weeks 2 and 3 with the same issue, felt fine during Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but soreness set in afterward.

After the game, Purdy reached out to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan to inform him of the discomfort. Shanahan revealed that Purdy’s condition was being monitored after he was listed as a non-participant in practice for two consecutive days. Given the short week leading up to the critical NFC West matchup, Purdy has limited time for recovery.

“If I can play this game, I want to play,” Purdy said. “Obviously, I want to get right and get healthy, but we need to win this game against the Rams.”

Shanahan indicated that the decision regarding Purdy’s status would depend on how well he can perform and protect himself during the game. “It’ll come down to do we feel he could play and at 100 percent of his ability,” Shanahan stated.

Purdy’s replacement, Mac Jones, who also has been dealing with a knee sprain, would step in if Purdy is unable to play. Jones previously led the 49ers to victories when Purdy was sidelined.

This is the third consecutive week that uncertainty surrounds the starting quarterback position. “That’s your job as a backup,” Jones said. “You have to focus on preparing regardless of the situation.”

The 49ers enter the game with a 3-1 record, tied with the Rams, making this matchup crucial for early standings in the division. Both teams aim for prominence in the competitive NFC West.

If Purdy cannot play, the 49ers will have to rely on a strained roster, missing key players like tight end George Kittle and receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Injuries have plagued the team’s skill position players, impacting their strategy heading into the game.

“We’re not expecting it to be too bad,” Shanahan said regarding the injuries, but the last-minute assessments pose significant challenges. The team’s lack of full-speed practices before Thursday limits their preparation time.