John Lynch confident Brock Purdy is 'getting closer' as 49ers keep Mac Jones starting

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John Lynch confident Brock Purdy is 'getting closer' as 49ers keep Mac Jones starting image

Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy continues to make steady progress from the turf toe injury that has sidelined him for five of the team’s seven games this season.

Team president of football operations and general manager John Lynch shared encouraging news about Purdy’s recovery during an appearance on KNBR 680’s “Murph and Markus” show, saying the 25-year-old quarterback is trending in the right direction but still not ready to return.

“What I can tell everyone is that we’re being incredible —we’re getting so many opinions on this thing, and it’s been pretty consistent,” Lynch said. “[Purdy] is doing a really good job. We’re taking the appropriate measures.

"What I can tell you is that he gets better each week, each day. So, I do think we’re getting closer to him returning.”

With Mac Jones filling in effectively, the 49ers appear willing to wait until Purdy is fully cleared before rushing him back.

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49ers balancing optimism and patience as Purdy’s recovery continues

Purdy first sustained the injury during San Francisco’s Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field, later aggravating it in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since then, he has been limited to only two games in the 2025 season.

Turf toe recovery often depends on its severity, which makes setting a clear timeline difficult. Lynch said the organization is leaning on both medical input and Purdy’s own instincts.

“Mainly, ‘Do you feel like yourself?’” Lynch explained. “Sometimes doctors have to hold a player back, so there’s those benchmarks and things.

"I think the athlete knows their body extremely well. Brock knows he plays a certain way, and you can’t change the way you play to make it easier to play — and he’s not going to.”

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Jones is expected to start again in Week 8 against the Houston Texans while Purdy continues his recovery.

Despite the setback, Jones has guided San Francisco to a 4–1 record in his five starts.

The 49ers, who signed Purdy to a five-year, $265 million extension this offseason, are taking a cautious approach. With Jones performing efficiently, head coach Kyle Shanahan and Lynch are in no rush to risk another setback.

“We’re trusting Brock; we’re trusting the doctors; we’ll make a good decision on it, and that’s why it’s taking some time.”

The organization remains optimistic that Purdy’s return will come soon, but for now, patience and progress remain the focus.

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