Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the Houston Texans.
Head coach Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams are focused on the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. The Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts are on the docket after that. However, the Rams play their first NFC West foe, the San Francisco 49ers, who may not have quarterback Brock Purdy, in Week 5.
Moreover, the 49ers will be without star tight end George Kittle for that matchup.
LA is seeking its third straight division crown. The 49ers, at least on paper, figure to be their top competition. The Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks will not simply roll over, though.
Rams Could Face 49ers Team Missing Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy, Los Angeles Rams
GettyBrock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass the ball against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams’ potential good fortune comes after 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Purdy was a “long shot” to play in Week 2. He also suggested the QB could face a multi-week absence. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported his “understanding” that Purdy would miss “two to five weeks.”
“Two to five weeks for Brock Purdy with what is essentially a variant of turf toe. It is a ligament injury that affects the bottom of his foot,” Rapoport reported on “Good Morning Football” on September 11. Two to five weeks for Brock Purdy, which would at least put him out the Saints game this week, the Cardinals game next week, and then we’ll see. It is swollen. It is irritated. No one knows how it’s going to react. But certainly it seems like the 49ers are looking at, probably, two starts for Mac Jones, their backup quarterback, and maybe more.”
49ers general manager John Lynch called Purdy, who signed a five-year, $265 million extension in May, “week to week.”
John Lynch gives us an update on Brock Purdy's status:
"I talked to our doctor, who's the preeminent foot and ankle specialist in the NFL … What we're dealing with is kind of a week to week thing … Going into the MRI scans and all that — the feeling was more on the positive… pic.twitter.com/gwq2H8AByV
— KNBR (@KNBR) September 11, 2025
The Rams beat the 49ers in both meetings last season. They are 2-1 against him since he became the starter.
However, Purdy has thrown for 640 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception in those games.
Purdy’s 61.6% completion rate against the Rams is still his sixth-worst mark against any team. LA has sacked him five times in their two meetings. The Rams have never faced Jones, the No. 15 overall pick of the 2021 draft by the New England Patriots. He is now on his third team.
Still, the Rams – just like any team – would have a clearer path to victory against a backup QB (Jones) rather than a Pro Bowl-caliber starter (Purdy).
49ers Skill Players Banged Up
George Kittle, Los Angeles Rams
GettyGeorge Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Purdy news continues an unfortunate trend for the 49ers. The Rams and the rest of their divisional foes are surely taking notice.
Kittle’s situation has already been sorted out, at least for the next four weeks.
“Sources: 49ers are placing Pro Bowl TE George Kittle on injured reserve, meaning he now will miss at least the next four games,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on September 8. “Kittle injured his hamstring during Sunday’s win over Seattle and now will miss games at New Orleans, vs. Atlanta, Jacksonville and at the Rams.”
The 49ers’ star running back, Christian McCaffrey, has also been on the injury report since before their 17-13 win over the Seahawks, due to a calf injury. McCaffrey downplayed the severity, but he is another key piece the Rams may not see when they play the 49ers next.
The Rams have business to tend to first. Still, the Rams could benefit from Purdy and the 49ers’ woes when the two teams finally clash.