Starting quarterback Brock Purdy is now doubtful for the match-up. A toe injury has limited his participation in practices and forced him to miss last week’s game against the New Orleans Saints.
Purdy has displayed an incredible spirit in his comeback, going through every step of the week but with limitations. Coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged Purdy’s progress, stating, “Brock pushes himself to go as hard as anyone I’ve been around, but he’s very levelheaded in terms of being realistic.” This reflects the balance Purdy aims to achieve between his desire to play and the need to avoid risking further injury.
As committed to his craft and to the team as Purdy is, he’s still a risk-taker. On one hand, he wants to help the 49ers win, but on the other hand, he knows the risk that comes with playing with an injury. His leadership will be indispensable in any final determination of his continued engagement. As Shanahan pointed out, Purdy being the backup to Mac Jones will depend on how Purdy feels in the next 48 hours. What they do with him will depend on his condition.
In the event that Purdy is unable to suit up, San Francisco will likely promote practice squad QB, Adrian Martinez. He would then immediately become the primary backup behind Jones. According to league rules, if Martinez is promoted to the active roster, it would preclude Purdy from being designated as an emergency No. 3 quarterback.
Meanwhile, Mac Jones stepped in admirably for Purdy during the game against the Saints, where he threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns, leading the 49ers to a convincing victory. Reflecting on his performance, Jones noted, “I definitely watched it and learned from it and took all the coaching points and then have worked hard in practice to learn from the things I didn’t do as well and just get better at them.”
As the team gets ready to face the Cardinals, each and every game is truly magnified in this brand new 17-game regular season. The stakes are unforgiving, none more so than their own division where every win or loss can make a difference in the playoff race.
Regardless of how things shake out with Purdy’s overall outlook, the 49ers still have a handful of additional injury concerns they’re facing. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings could be questionable with high-ankle and shoulder issues. At the same time, rookie Connor Colby is questionable after suffering a groin injury. Unfortunately, the team will be without Jordan Watkins (calf) and Spencer Burford, who the team has already ruled out for this weekend’s contest.
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