The San Francisco 49ers are sitting comfortably atop the NFC West at 4-1 despite quarterback Brock Purdy playing just two games, as Mac Jones has stepped in as his replacement and thrown six touchdowns to just one interception while going 3-0 in his three starts.
Purdy suffered the turf toe injury in Week 1 and returned for one start in Week 4, but after missing Week 5, he is in danger of being out again on Sunday when his Niners head east to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that Purdy is still not practicing, which has put Jones on track to start once again on Sunday.
> 49ers QB Brock Purdy also not practicing today due to his toe injury, putting Mac Jones on track to start Sunday at Tampa.
>
> — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) [October 9, 2025](https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1976378690075492783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
With how well Jones has played, the Niners have no reason to rush Purdy back, as we already saw what can happen if he comes back too soon.
Purdy threw a pair of interceptions in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4, and it was clear he wasn’t fully recovered from his injury.
Purdy is one of many offensive players on this team still working their way back from injury, as George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings have all been fighting back from injuries over the season’s first month.
San Francisco’s schedule over the rest of the season isn’t too difficult, and the Niners have already snagged first place in the NFC West, so while this team certainly won’t be coasting the rest of the way, Jones’ performance has made it a lot easier to give Purdy as much time as possible to recover.
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