San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy faces uncertainty regarding his availability for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams after experiencing a setback with his injured toe. Following the team’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Purdy reported that while he felt fine during the game, discomfort arose once the adrenaline faded. He informed head coach Kyle Shanahan later that evening about the increased pain.
Shanahan provided an update on Monday, stating that Purdy would undergo further evaluation to determine the severity of the injury. The 49ers, currently with a record of 3-1, have a challenging schedule ahead, with a Thursday night game fast approaching. Shanahan expressed concern for any player not fully healthy, especially with the quick turnaround.
“Hopefully we’ll find out more later today,” he said. “But any time guys are sore and hurting on a Monday, you usually don’t stress too much about it. Yet, a Thursday game introduces a different element.”
Purdy had missed previous victories against the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals due to the toe injury, a form of turf toe that had limited his participation in practice. He returned to action against the Jaguars, completing 22 of 38 passes for 309 yards, along with two touchdowns and two interceptions, resulting in a QBR of 52.1. Despite the statistics, Purdy initially downplayed the impact of his injury, stating he felt good during the game.
“I think just getting back out there and throwing and getting into a rhythm… honestly, I don’t know the answer to that,” Purdy reflected on potential effects of the injury on his performance. “I’m going to watch this film, look at my mechanics and be real with myself.”
Aside from Purdy’s situation, the 49ers are also dealing with injuries to key players. Wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings both sustained injuries during the Jaguars game. Pearsall suffered a right knee injury after landing hard while trying to secure a catch. Although he briefly returned to the field, he did not complete the game.
“I was feeling pain and a little bit of instability,” Pearsall explained regarding his knee condition. Shanahan indicated that initial assessments suggest a minor PCL injury, though further tests are pending.
Jennings is also under evaluation after sustaining a rib injury in addition to previously existing ankle and shoulder issues. He took a significant hit from two Jaguars defenders during a crucial 2-point conversion attempt. Reflecting on the nature of injuries in football, Jennings stated, “It’s just part of football… playing through injuries is nothing new.”
As the team prepares for their next game, the 49ers will release their first injury report of the week on Monday. This report will provide an estimate of player participation in practice. With such a quick turnaround, the team will not engage in full-speed practices leading up to the game against the Rams.
The upcoming matchup is vital for the 49ers, and the health of their players, particularly Purdy, will play a critical role in their performance. The situation remains fluid as evaluations continue, leaving fans and teammates eager for clarity as the week unfolds.
