The San Francisco 49ers enter Week 11 as slight favorites against the Arizona Cardinals, but uncertainty surrounds their quarterback situation. Brock Purdy has been out since Week 4 with a right big toe issue, but is now nearing a possible return to action.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that Purdy was healthy enough to serve as the backup in last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams but chose to hold him out.
“He could have gone [as the No. 2], definitely,” Shanahan said. “I just decided to hold him up in that situation.”
According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, the team will not activate Purdy until he is fit to reclaim the starting role. For now, San Francisco continues to rely on Mac Jones, who has started eight games and helped the team reach a 5-3 record in those appearances.
Shanahan admitted that Purdy may not fully recover this season, leaving the 49ers to balance his health against Jones’ steady play.
Shanahan Balances Quarterback Health and Performance
The 49ers’ Week 10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams deepened the team’s challenge as they slipped to third in the NFC West. Mac Jones threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns on 33-of-39 passing, while George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey led the offense with strong receiving performances.
San Francisco’s record now stands at 6-4, and with a divisional matchup approaching, the team faces growing pressure to make a quarterback decision.
Shanahan confirmed that Purdy’s progress has improved, yet he cautioned against rushing him back to avoid a repeat of the Jacksonville game six weeks ago, when the injury worsened.
“It depends on how close to 100 percent he gets,” Shanahan said. “Our dilemma or what we’re trying not to do is put him out in the situation we did versus Jacksonville six weeks ago... I do believe he’s closer and further along than what he was at that time. Hopefully he’ll have a chance this week.”
The coaching staff has debated whether Purdy could serve as the backup, but the consensus remains that he will not be active unless fully ready to start. Shanahan emphasized that the team’s top priority is ensuring Purdy’s long-term health rather than risking a premature return.
Purdy has been limited in practice for several weeks, yet his availability for Sunday remains uncertain. In the meantime, Jones’ efficient play has given the 49ers stability, even if the team has dropped two of its last three games.
His poise and rhythm have earned praise, creating a genuine competition for the starting job once Purdy returns.
Oddsmakers opened the 49ers as 2.5-point road favorites over the Cardinals, with DraftKings slightly adjusting their line from -110 to -115. Despite Purdy’s uncertain status, the betting market remains confident in San Francisco’s chances after already defeating Arizona earlier in the season.
As the 49ers prepare to travel to Arizona for their Week 11 matchup, Shanahan and his staff must weigh momentum against medical caution. The outcome could shape not just this weekend’s game but the rest of San Francisco’s season as they aim to stay in the NFC West race.
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