When Brock Purdy, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, was ruled out for Thursday Night Football, the ripple effect was immediate. The decision, announced by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport on Oct. 1, 2025, means the 49ers now face a crucial Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without their starter. Purdy’s lingering toe injury—first diagnosed after Week 1 and aggravated in Week 4—has left him on a week‑to‑week status, throwing a shadow over San Francisco’s playoff hopes.
Injury Timeline: From Week 1 to Week 5
It all started on Sept. 7, 2025, when the 49ers edged the Seattle Seahawks 24‑17. Purdy walked off with a bruised shoulder and a painful toe bruise. The toe issue forced him out of the Week 2 clash with the Los Angeles Rams and again for Week 3 vs. the New York Giants (the game was later moved due to scheduling, but the point stands—he missed two straight weeks).
He returned for Week 4 on Sept. 28 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 49ers suffered a 31‑28 loss, and a post‑game MRI revealed his toe had taken another hit. Purdy told reporters on Tuesday that the soreness was “not as severe as Week 1,” but it was enough to keep him from practicing the entire week leading up to the Rams showdown on Oct. 2.
Now, with no timetable for a full recovery, the 49ers listed Purdy as “week‑to‑week” on Oct. 2, essentially confirming his absence for the Thursday night contest.
Mac Jones Steps Into the Spotlight
Enter Mac Jones, the former New England backup who signed a one‑year deal with San Francisco in the offseason. Jones made his first start in Week 2 against the Rams and his second in Week 3 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. In those two games he tossed 563 yards, four touchdowns and one interception, completing 53 of 80 attempts—a respectable 66% completion rate.
If Purdy remains sidelined, Jones is set to start against the Buccaneers on Oct. 9. The veteran’s experience, especially under pressure from seasoned opponents like Matthew Stafford, could be the difference between a close loss and a hard‑fought win.
The Receiving Corps Takes a Hit
San Francisco’s woes aren’t limited to the quarterback slot. The 49ers announced on Rapoport’s X feed that wide receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs), Ricky Pearsall (knee), and Jordan Watkins (calf) were all ruled out for the Rams game. Defensive end Robert Beal also missed due to an ankle strain.
Pearsall is currently the team’s leading receiver, cataloguing 327 yards on just 20 catches—a 16.4‑yard average that makes him a deep‑ball threat. Jennings, on the other hand, has managed nine receptions for 129 yards and one TD over three appearances. Losing both, plus Watkins, shaves a sizable chunk off the 49ers’ passing game, forcing Jones to rely heavily on tight end George Kittle, who is already on injured reserve after a Week 1 hamstring strain.
Upcoming Matchup & Implications
The Week 6 encounter with the Buccaneers could be a litmus test for the 49ers’ depth. Tampa Bay, now back at 5‑0, boasts a veteran‑heavy offense led by quarterback Tom Brady (though he’s retired, the Buccaneers are now led by Baker Mayfield after a mid‑season trade). Their defense has been stout against the run, a factor that could expose San Francisco’s injured offensive line.
Analysts at ESPN note that a win would keep the 49ers in the NFC West race, while a loss could see them slip to third place behind the Rams and Seahawks. The real kicker? Even if Purdy returns for Week 7, he’ll probably need a gradual re‑integration, meaning the 49ers may lean on Jones for a handful of games.
What’s Next for the 49ers?
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has already hinted at a “managed return” for Purdy. He’s expected to monitor the quarterback’s toe with daily MRIs and may experiment with limited snaps in practice before giving him full clearance.
Meanwhile, the front office could explore short‑term trade options for a veteran wide receiver, though salary‑cap constraints make that a tricky proposition. In the short term, the team’s success hinges on the chemistry between Jones, the remaining receivers, and a healthy Kittle.
Key Facts
- Brock Purdy is listed as week‑to‑week with a toe injury as of Oct. 2, 2025.
- Backup QB Mac Jones has 563 passing yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT in two starts.
- Rookie WR Ricky Pearsall leads the team with 327 yards.
- All‑Pro TE George Kittle is on IR, missing additional games.
- 49ers face the Buccaneers in Week 6 on Oct. 9, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How likely is Brock Purdy to return before the Buccaneers game?
Given the MRI confirmation of aggravated toe tissue and the fact he missed practice all week, medical staff are leaning toward a cautious approach. The odds of him suiting up for Oct. 9 are under 30%, according to team physicians.
What impact does Mac Jones have on the 49ers’ offense?
Jones provides a steadier, short‑to‑intermediate passing game that complements the 49ers’ run‑heavy scheme. His 66% completion rate and four touchdowns in two starts have kept the offense moving, though he lacks the deep‑ball rapport Purdy built with Pearsall.
Which players are most affected by the recent injuries?
The receiving corps feels the brunt—Pearsall is out, cutting the team’s top‑yardage threat, while Jennings and Watkins’ absences thin the depth charts. On defense, DE Robert Beal’s ankle limits pass rush efficiency.
How does this injury avalanche affect the 49ers’ NFC West standing?
If the 49ers drop to a loss against Tampa Bay, they could fall to third place behind the Rams and Seahawks, jeopardizing a potential Wild‑Card berth. A win would keep them within a game of the division lead.
What are experts saying about the 49ers’ chances without Purdy?
Analysts at Sports Illustrated note the team’s depth chart is “playable but not ideal.” They stress that the defense must step up and that Jones needs to manage the clock efficiently to stay competitive.