San Francisco 49ers’ $265 million quarterback remains stuck on the sideline. Brock Purdy won’t start against the Rams in Week 10 despite being listed as questionable and making progress in his recovery from a toe injury.
Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Kyle Shanahan confirmed Friday that Mac Jones will handle the starting duties again. “It will be Mac again starting. We haven’t decided whether to make (Purdy) active or not, but he’s further along this week than last week,” thehead coach said.
Purdy hasn’t logged a single full practice since reaggravating his bigtoe injury in Week 4. He originally suffered the blow during Week 1, and the problem continues limiting his availability despite the 49ers giving him a five-year extension worth $265 million before the season.
49ers QB Mac Jones will start again Sunday in place of Brock Purdy, who is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Rams due to his turf toe injury. pic.twitter.com/lGDbv0Yy2O
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 7, 2025
The organization hoped Purdy could shoulder a larger burden this year and lead them back to the playoffs. Instead, San Francisco has succeeded mostly without him under center through the first half of the season.
Jones has delivered solid results while filling in for the franchise quarterback. The first-round pick has gone 5-2 in Purdy’s place despite battling knee injuries himself. He’s averaging 261.7 passing yards per game with 10 touchdowns against five interceptions.
San Francisco beat Los Angeles earlier this season with Jones starting. Now they face a drastically different Rams team firing on all cylinders. Matthew Stafford is slowly emerging as a front-runner for the MVP conversation, making this matchup much tougher than their first meeting.
The 49ers defense saved the day in their previous victory over the Rams. But injuries have decimated that unit since then, particularly on the defensive line. Fred Warner, Mykel Williams and Nick Bosa are all dealing with injuries that have piled up beyond just Purdy’s toe problem.
Those defensive injuries could amplify San Francisco’s problems further against Sean McVay’s surging offense. The situation is getting worse by the day for a team that remains firmly in the playoff race despite their mounting health concerns.
Brock Purdy Takes More Reps Without Full Clearance
Purdy received more reps with the starting unit this week even though he wasn’t a full participant in practice. That increased workload shows the progress Shanahan mentioned, but it’s not enough to put him back on the field for game action.
The 49ers must decide whether to make Purdy active as a backup option. That determination will reveal how confident the medical staff feels about his ability to play if Jones struggles or gets injured during the game.
Jones faces a critical test against a Rams defense that will attack aggressively. His ability to protect the football becomes even more crucial when San Francisco’s defensive stars are not at full strength. The 49ers need him to match his recent success while Purdy continues working toward full health.
San Francisco’s playoff hopes depend on surviving this stretch without their franchise quarterback. They’ve managed well so far, but facing elite opponents like the Rams without key defensive players creates major challenges. Jones must continue his solid play to keep the 49ers competitive in the playoff race.