Kyle Shanahan reveals what it'd take for 49ers to start Brock Purdy

Contributing Writer
Kyle Shanahan reveals what it'd take for 49ers to start Brock Purdy image

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The San Francisco 49ers have dealt with a lot of injuries this season, and while the Fred Warner and Nick Bosa season-ending injuries have been massive losses, the Brock Purdy turf toe injury has been a big loss as well.

Mac Jones has filled in nicely, but the team is still in need of its $262 million franchise quarterback. But Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers are being cautious, and for good reason.

But after their Week 10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Shanahan revealed during his postgame press conference from KNBR what it would take for Purdy to get back onto the field, even if he's not at 100%.

Kyle Shanahan reveals how Brock Purdy could start at less than 100%

When asked by reporters if the 49ers could turn to Purdy despite the quarterback not being at 100%, Shanahan's answer was a significant revelation as to when the franchise quarterback could return.

"Yeah, it depends on how close to 100 percent he gets," Shanahan revealed. "What we're trying not to do is put him out there (in a similar situation to what) we did against Jacksonville."

Purdy was banged up early in the year and missed Weeks 2 and 3. But he went back out for Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That week led to Purdy aggravating the turf toe injury, and he's missed every week since.

Starting in Week 5, Purdy has been out for all of the 49ers' games, as Jones has been the starter. While Jones has kept the 49ers alive, the Week 10 loss has the 49ers a bit behind the playoff field, sitting behind the Chicago Bears, who are 6-3.

More: Brock Purdy injury update: 4 reasons for 49ers to wait on starting QB, stick with Mac Jones

Jones has gone 3-3 since Purdy's Week 4 injury and has been a quality backup. But getting Purdy back in the lineup should be a big help to the 49ers' offense.

The defense does need to improve to be serious playoff contenders, but getting their franchise quarterback back would be a nice boost to a banged-up 49ers team.

This quote from Shanahan reveals that the 49ers are open to bringing Purdy back even if he's not fully healthy. While they won't rush him back like they did earlier in the year, San Francisco is leaving the door open to Purdy making a return, even if he's not 100% healthy.

Purdy had a chance to play in Week 10, though he would've been the backup to Jones. In Week 11, against the Arizona Cardinals, Purdy could make his first start since Week 4, as the 49ers try to keep their season afloat down the final stretch of the year.

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Staff Writer