Although he’s already been ruled out for Week 2’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints, the bad news keeps rolling in for San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 49ers are “not optimistic” that Purdy will be available for Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. His toe injury may be more serious than originally thought, although a source told Schefter that Purdy “progressed a lot this week” and there’s still a chance he’ll play in Week 3.
In his absence, the 49ers will start backup QB Mac Jones today against the Saints. Jones is a former first-round pick of the Patriots and started for several seasons there, leading New England to the playoffs in his rookie season. Last year, he was the backup to QB Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, and carries a significant amount of experience. Back in 2021, there was a lot of speculation that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan wanted Jones at No. 3 overall, though the team ended up selecting QB Trey Lance instead.
If Purdy is forced to miss Week 3 as well, Jones would be in line to start again. Former UFL MVP QB Adrian Martinez will serve as Jones’ backup this week.
Injuries Continue to Ravage the San Francisco 49ers Offense
Steph Chambers/GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 07: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Lumen Field on September 07, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Add Purdy to the long list of injuries the 49ers are dealing with. TE George Kittle, expected to be the top option in the passing attack this year, suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter of their Week 1 game against the Seahawks and was placed on Injured Reserve (IR). Top wide receiver Jauan Jennings is dealing with an injury of his own, though he’s expected to play in Week 2.
In addition, WR Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered midway through last season. When he’s healthy, he’s the alpha in the receiving game, but for now the 49ers have to go without him. WRs Trent Taylor and Jacob Cowing are also on IR, and star LT Trent Williams left the Seahawks game with an injury, though he’s not expected to miss time.
The San Francisco 49ers Open the Season With the Soft Part of Their Schedule
If there’s one silver lining here, it’s that this is the easy part of San Francisco’s schedule. The 49ers get the Saints this week and the Cardinals nbext week, followed by a Week 4 date with the Jaguars. AFter that, they play the Rams, Buccaneers, Falcons, and Texans in quick succession — a potentially season-defining stretch against four playoff-caliber teams.
We’ll see how Jones plays this week, but the 49ers are favored on the road. Jones is a capable backup who can guide San Francisco to some wins while Purdy is out. Since these next few games are winnable, with the Cardinals posing the biggest threat, the 49ers can afford to ease Purdy back into things without rushing him, potentially risking a more serious injury by doing so.
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