The San Francisco 49ers are 6-3 heading into the second half of the 2025 NFL season. They have a winning record and are projected to be a playoff team come January, all despite dealing with some of the worst possible injury luck to their star players.
49ers Still Limiting Brock Purdy During Practice Sessions
One of those names is Brock Purdy, who hasn’t fully practiced in weeks while recovering from a turf toe injury. And given that he was a limited participant again this week, it is increasingly likely that he’ll miss his 6th straight game when the 49ers take on the Rams this coming Sunday.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has acknowledged the toe “probably won’t fully go away all year,” meaning it will be a lingering issue even when Purdy returns. The toe injury is more serious than fans often appreciate: turf toe affects push‐off, can hamper mobility, and is tricky for a quarterback who relies on footwork and escape mechanics. As such, even when Purdy returns, the 49ers may need to manage him carefully.
They don’t have a whole lot of reason to rush him back, though. In his place, Mac Jones has been something of a revelation. Following in the footsteps of guys like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield who have seen career resurgences, Jones is 5-2 in 7 starts for the 49ers this season, and ranks 4th in the NFL in yards per game. He has kept San Francisco afloat in what has become arguably the toughest division in football in 2025, and has done so with limited weapons.
Will There Be A QB Controversy In San Francisco?
If Jones keeps the 49ers on their current trajectory, what will the quarterback situation be when Brock Purdy is in fact healthy enough to play?
A controversy is at least plausible. Purdy remains the franchise QB, under a massive contract and with the implicit backing of the front office (“this is Brock’s team when he’s healthy” according to GM John Lynch). But Jones’ strong performances have muddied the waters. If he continues to win and play well, the team will face a decision: do they reinstate Purdy as soon as he’s medically available, or ride Jones until the end of the season and potentially reassess long‐term?
From @GMFB: Focusing in on the QB situations with the #49ers, #Texans, and #AZCardinals, plus the latest on tonight’s injuries. pic.twitter.com/Qzz9jjpG0I
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 6, 2025
Based on their upcoming opponents’ current winning percentage, the 49ers have the 13th-toughest remaining schedule in the NFL. They still have big games to play against NFC West foes, as well as a suddenly-massive Monday Night Football game against the Indianapolis Colts in December.
As of Thursday morning, San Francisco is listed as a 3.5-point home underdog for Sunday’s game against the Rams.
