Brock Purdy news shared by George Kittle following 49ers facility photo

Mohammad Asif Ansari

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Brock Purdy news shared by George Kittle following 49ers facility photo image

When the 49ers began their preparation week for the Wild Card round, George Kittle’s social media game was on full display.

This week, the team practiced in Santa Clara, but Kittle took to Instagram on Thursday to share a lighthearted moment involving his quarterback.

Kittle reposted an official team photo of Brock Purdy walking through the facility, captioning it:

"He’s texting me here," a playful jab at Purdy being caught on his phone during a walk.

Both Kittle (ankle) and Purdy are active for Sunday, though Kittle was listed as a limited participant in Thursday’s practice.

More: Kyle Shanahan's history vs. Eagles' Vic Fangio doesn't bode well for 49ers

Brock Purdy's performance down the stretch

The quarterback isn't the only 49er carrying a heavy load this season. Christian McCaffrey also posted a historic workload, leading the league in touches and scrimmage yards under offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak.

Purdy has been terrific down the stretch, but the memory of the 2023 NFC Championship game in Philadelphia remains horrific for the 49ers faithful.

The team faced challenges in overcoming the "Super Bowl hangover" of the 2024 season, which led to a 6-11 record. However, the 2025 campaign represents a massive six-win improvement, the largest jump in the Shanahan/Lynch era since 2019.

Purdy was magnificent following his return from a mid-season toe injury and non-throwing shoulder issue. While backup Mac Jones kept the team afloat early, Purdy’s return in Week 11 ignited the surge.

From Week 13 onward, Purdy was statistically the most efficient QB in the NFL. According to PFF, he posted a league-best 93.2 passing grade.

He created a magical moment in Week 17 against the Bears, throwing for 303 yards and five total touchdowns in a 42-38 shootout.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted that Purdy's ability to create plays with his legs was the difference-maker.

"Brock moved the chains with his legs a few times, and then he bought time a number of times to get some big plays down the field," Shanahan said. "Having a quarterback who can do things off-schedule is a huge part of our success."

However, the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles and a hostile crowd at Lincoln Financial Field stand in the way. Eagles lineman Jordan Mailata set the tone early.

"We're not defending nothing," Mailata said.

The 49ers boast a 7-2 road record, but the revenge narrative adds pressure. Add this game to the list of high-stakes battles that Purdy and the 49ers have faced. Winning in Philly never gets easier to handle.

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News Correspondent