The San Francisco 49ers are off to a 5-2 start in 2025, finding ways to navigate through plenty of injuries -- including one to their starting quarterback.
Brock Purdy, who was extended in the offseason, has played in just two 49ers games so far this season. He missed Weeks 2 and 3, returned for Week 4, and hasn't been back on the field since. Mac Jones has proved capable as QB1 in the meantime, leading San Francisco to multiple wins.
While the 49ers won't feel any need to rush Purdy back as Jones excels, they'd still like to get their starting passer back for the stretch run of the 2025 season. Will Purdy be able to play in Week 8 against the Houston Texans?
Here's the latest on Purdy's return timeline and his Week 8 status.
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Is Brock Purdy playing this week vs. Texans?
Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Monday that Purdy is considered a "reach" to return in Week 8, according to Cam Inman. San Francisco is likely to continue rolling with Mac Jones against the Texans, although Purdy will be reevaluated later in the week, so his status isn't yet official.
Purdy has missed three consecutive games already, on top of the two he missed prior to his Week 4 return. It's a toe injury that's been nagging at the quarterback -- although he has practiced in a limited capacity in recent weeks.
Brock Purdy is back at practice. Mac Jones is here too. Both are limited. #49ers | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/I83BIMRUFU
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) October 15, 2025
Despite Purdy making some progress by participating in practice multiple times in Week 7, he was ruled out of that game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Once again in Week 8, it's looking like the 49ers will rest Purdy, attempting to ensure he is at 100 percent health before hitting the gridiron again.
MORE: What is Brock Purdy's net worth?
Who is Brock Purdy's backup?
Purdy's backup, Mac Jones, has looked like the former first-round pick he is while competing for San Francisco in 2025. In five games starting for the 49ers, Jones has completed 67% of his passes for 1,404 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Perhaps more importantly for the team, the 49ers have gone 4-1 with Jones starting at quarterback. His record includes a primetime win over the Los Angeles Rams, which put San Francisco atop the NFC West, along with victories over the Saints, Cardinals and Falcons.
MORE:How Christian McCaffrey dominated the Falcons in Week 7
49ers QB depth chart
Rank Player
1. Brock Purdy
2. Mac Jones
3. Adrian Martinez (PS)
When Purdy and Jones are both healthy, there's little argument that the 49ers view Purdy as QB1 -- especially considering the $53 million he makes every season. Still, Jones' solid play in multiple wins has at least made things interesting in San Francisco.
Adrian Martinez has been the 49ers backup during Purdy's absence. Martinez spent last season on the New York Jets' practice squad.
MORE: Full breakdown of 49ers' recent injury history, from Brock Purdy to George Kittle