San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will sit out his fifth consecutive game because of a toe injury, though head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team is encouraged by his recovery.
Purdy has progressed enough to take limited snaps in practice and could dress as a backup against the New York Giants on Sunday. Shanahan confirmed that Mac Jones handled most of the first-team reps this week and will again start under center.
[Shanahan explained](https://Kyle Shanahan’s update on Brock Purdy leaves more questions than answers) that the 49ers are being careful after Purdy aggravated the injury earlier this season.
“Anytime you’ve got stuff that you haven’t had before that lingers, Brock is more frustrated than anyone that he can’t be out there,” Shanahan said. “He has talked to a lot of people who have had this, so he understands it.”
Purdy initially hurt his big toe in Week 1 against Seattle, returned in Week 4, and re-injured it in a loss to Jacksonville.
San Francisco also ruled out receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee), defensive linemen Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring) and Bryce Huff (hamstring), and center Jake Brendel (hamstring).
More: Kyle Shanahan’s bold kicker swap turns into a masterstroke for the 49ers
Defensive lineman Keion White, acquired in a trade from New England, is expected to make his 49ers debut. Clelin Ferrell could be elevated from the practice squad before Sunday’s matchup.
Shanahan cautious with Purdy’s comeback as injuries test 49ers depth
This week marks the first time Purdy has been listed as questionable since his Week 4 setback. Shanahan said the quarterback “got more reps this week,” but the team chose not to rush him back as it did previously.
The 49ers believe he may be available as an emergency quarterback behind Jones and Adrian Martinez.
Jones has led the team to a 2–2 record over the last four games, completing 66 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and four interceptions. Despite battling his own knee and oblique issues, Jones was a full participant in practice. The latest injury report noted “Knee, Knee,” indicating a bruise on his right knee.
The 49ers have dealt with a series of injuries across the roster. Offensive linemen Spencer Burford (knee) and Ben Bartch (ankle) are listed as questionable, with Burford closer to returning.
Linebacker Dee Winters (knee), defensive end Sam Okuayinonu (ankle), and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (personal) are also uncertain to play. Shanahan confirmed that the artificial surface at MetLife Stadium will not affect Purdy’s playing status.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall remains sidelined for a fifth game, while Gross-Matos, Huff, and Brendel continue to recover from hamstring injuries. Shanahan expects newly signed Keion White to contribute immediately, while Ferrell may join the active roster if elevated from the practice squad.
More NFL news: