Though the San Francisco 49ers have gotten results on the field, jumping out to a 4-2 start, they have been without starting quarterback Brock Purdy, who has been sidelined with a toe injury.
Purdy, who signed a five-year, $265 million contract with the 49ers in May, has missed four of the past five games. After missing Weeks 2 and 3, he returned for San Francisco's Week 4 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars but appeared to suffer a setback. Mac Jones has started for the 49ers in his absence, leading them to a 3-1 record.
Ahead of the 49ers' "Sunday Night Football" matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, here's the latest on Purdy's status.
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Is Brock Purdy playing this week vs. Falcons?
Purdy's status is still up in the air for Sunday night, but on Wednesday, the quarterback returned to practice in a limited role.
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
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said that Purdy is more limited than Jones, who is also dealing with a knee and oblique injury. San Francisco also got back tight end George Kittle, who is on the same injury designation as the signal-callers.
Both Mac Jones and Brock Purdy are limited in practice today. Shanahan said Purdy (toe) is more limited than Jones (knee, oblique), suggesting that Jones might be more likely to start on Sunday.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) October 15, 2025
Both Purdy and Jones' status for Sunday are yet to be determined.
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Who is Brock Purdy's backup?
Purdy's backup, Jones, has lit it up for San Francisco in 2025. In four games starting for the 49ers, the quarterback has completed over 67% of his passes for 1,252 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Jones has led the 49ers to a 3-1 record in Purdy's absence, averaging 313 passing yards per game. His record includes a primetime win over the Los Angeles Rams, which put San Francisco atop the NFC West.
MORE: When will George Kittle return?
49ers QB depth chart
| Rank | Player |
| 1. | Brock Purdy |
| 2. | Mac Jones |
| 3. | Adrian Martinez (PS) |
If both Purdy and Jones are healthy, the team will presumably go back to its signal-caller that makes $53 million annually. But, Jones' play has sparked discussion.
Purdy has not suited up the past few weeks, meaning Adrian Martinez served as the 49ers backup. Martinez spent last season on the New York Jets practice squad.
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