Brock Purdy Sidelined; Mac Jones Steps Up for 49ers

Purdy Facing Multi-Week Absence

The San Francisco 49ers are facing their first major challenge of the 2025 season after quarterback Brock Purdy sustained multiple injuries during the team’s Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, that Purdy is a “long shot” to play in the upcoming Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints and could be sidelined for an extended period.

Purdy is dealing with injuries to his non-throwing left shoulder and his big toe, with the latter being the more significant concern. The injury, described as a variant of turf toe, occurred in the second quarter of the season opener when Seahawks safety Julian Love tackled the quarterback on a scramble. Reports suggest Purdy could miss anywhere from two to five weeks, leaving a significant void at the helm of the 49ers’ offense.

Despite the pain, Purdy finished the game against Seattle, completing 26 of 35 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner to tight end Jake Tonges with just over 90 seconds remaining.

Mac Jones Takes the Reins

With Purdy sidelined, the 49ers will turn to veteran quarterback Mac Jones, who the team signed to a two-year deal this past offseason. Shanahan expressed strong confidence in the former first-round pick, who has starting experience with the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars.

“I think he knows how to play the position,” Shanahan told reporters. “He can play well in the pocket, distributes the ball well, sees coverages well, can play fast in there. He’s got a lot of good film from the NFL experience and obviously college. Tough guy who will hang in there and deliver the ball where it needs to go.”

Shanahan also noted the stylistic similarities between the two quarterbacks, suggesting the team can maintain its offensive scheme without major adjustments.

• Similar Play Styles: Shanahan described Purdy and Jones as “real similar in terms of how they play the game,” highlighting their toughness and ability to distribute the ball.
• Teammate Confidence: Key players have voiced their support for Jones. Defensive end Nick Bosa praised Jones’ performance in training camp, while running back Christian McCaffrey called him “awesome” and noted he has “a whole bunch of starts under his belt.”

Navigating a Wave of Injuries

Purdy’s injury is not the only setback for the 49ers’ offense. The team is also grappling with the loss of star tight end George Kittle, who was placed on the Injured Reserve list with a hamstring injury sustained in the same game, as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com. Kittle will be out for a minimum of four games, a significant blow to both the passing and running attacks. Additionally, wide receiver Jauan Jennings is dealing with a shoulder injury, further testing the team’s depth.

In response to the quarterback situation, the 49ers are exploring their options for depth behind Jones. Adrian Martinez is currently on the practice squad, and the team has reportedly worked out veteran quarterback Mike White. The front office remains proactive, looking to ensure stability as they navigate this challenging early-season stretch.

As the 49ers prepare to face the Saints in New Orleans, all eyes will be on Mac Jones as he steps into a high-pressure situation, tasked with leading an injury-battered but talented roster and keeping their Super Bowl aspirations on track.