Introduction
Brock Purdy has become one of the more talked-about quarterbacks in the NFL, especially in the 2025 season—as injuries and uncertainties have hovered around his availability. Fans and analysts alike have been asking: Why isn’t he playing? What is wrong with him? How old is Brock Purdy? In this article, we’ll dive deep into his injury history, current health status, age, and projected return timeline. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of where Purdy stands and what to expect next.
Who Is Brock Purdy?
Brock Purdy is the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers (as of the latest seasons).
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He was drafted in 2022, with the very last pick (Mr. Irrelevant) in the 7th round, pick 262.
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Over his time in San Francisco, he has displayed poise, accuracy, and an ability to manage games effectively.
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In 2024, he threw for 3,864 passing yards, with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
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Offensively, he also made contributions on the ground, rushing for 323 yards and 5 rushing touchdowns.
In short, he’s not just a “backup turned starter”—he’s become a core piece of the 49ers’ offense.
How Old Is Brock Purdy?
As of October 2025:
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Brock Purdy was born on December 27, 1999.
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That makes him 25 years old, turning 26 in December 2025.
At 25, he’s relatively young for a starting NFL quarterback, with substantial potential remaining. His youth also means that teams and fans often expect quicker recovery times and resilience, but that also brings heightened scrutiny when injuries arise. Brock Purdy injury status.
Why Isn’t Brock Purdy Playing Right Now?
The Latest: Turf Toe Setback & Re-aggravation
The immediate reason Purdy is out is due to a turf toe injury (sometimes referred to as a “turf toe variant”) in his toe, which has been aggravated during his attempted return.
Here’s the sequence as known:
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Injury origin – In Week 1 of the 2025 season, Brock Purdy sustained injuries to both his left shoulder and toe during the game versus the Seattle Seahawks.
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The toe injury has become the more significant concern; the left shoulder issue is considered less problematic in the short term.
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Purdy missed multiple games early in the season as a result.
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Upon return in Week 4, he re-aggravated the turf toe injury after further contact in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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An MRI confirmed the aggravation of the toe, prompting the team to officially list him as “week to week”.
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As a result, he has been ruled out for several recent games, including the Week 5 matchup vs. the Rams.
This is the core reason Purdy isn’t playing—his toe injury is not yet healed enough to handle the demands of playing quarterback (planting, pushing off, mobility, etc.).
Other Injury History & Concerns
While the toe injury is the primary culprit now, Purdy’s injury history includes:
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Right elbow contusion with nerve inflammation: In late 2024, he sustained an elbow issue during a game versus the Detroit Lions.
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Past UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) concerns: There was prior attention to his elbow and ligament health, though his coach noted that the UCL “looks fine” after tests.
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Shoulder injuries: On multiple occasions, Purdy has had shoulder issues. For example, in 2025 already, his left shoulder was listed as part of the injury issues alongside his toe.
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General wear and tear: As a young, frequently-used QB, minor injuries, soreness, muscle strains, and cumulative stress are expected parts of the job.
So while the toe is the current blocking issue, teams will also monitor his elbow, shoulder, and overall durability. Brock Purdy injury status.
How Long Will He Be Out / When Might He Return?
Because Purdy is now considered week to week, the timeline is somewhat fluid. Here’s what we know from recent reports and expert assessments:
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Early in the season, the 49ers expected Purdy could miss 2 to 5 weeks with the turf toe injury.
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Some insiders later speculated a shorter timeline, perhaps 1 to 3 weeks, depending on how well he responded to treatment and rest.
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However, the re-aggravation after returning in Week 4 complicates things, and that setback likely resets or extends recovery time.
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Reports suggest he is unlikely to play in Week 5.
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The official designation is now week to week with monitoring.
Given this, Purdy’s return may depend on:
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How well the toe heals under rest, therapy, and rehabilitation
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Whether further aggravation occurs
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The 49ers’ game schedule and how comfortable they are relying on him
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Monitoring of his shoulder and elbow during that process
It’s likely he could resume playing in late October or early November if recovery goes smoothly, but that’s speculative and contingent on no additional setbacks.
What Does This Mean for the 49ers?
Brock Purdy’s absence is a significant issue for the 49ers, and they’ve been adapting accordingly. Some implications and adjustments include:
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Backup quarterback stepping in: In Purdy’s absence, Mac Jones has been named the starter.
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The team has also elevated Adrian Martinez from the practice squad to add depth behind Jones.
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The offense may operate more conservatively while Purdy is out—less risk, more short passing or simplified reads
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With various receivers, tight ends, and other players also injured, the 49ers are facing a broader health crisis across the roster.
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If Purdy’s absence lengthens, the team must consider how to manage playoff ambitions, roster decisions, and whether a full recovery is realistic within the season
Overall, while the 49ers believe in their depth and coaching, losing a starting-caliber quarterback—even for a few games—shifts team dynamics and expectations. Brock Purdy injury status.
Key Takeaways
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Why isn’t Purdy playing? A re-aggravated turf toe injury is currently sidelining him.
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What is wrong? The toe issue is compounded by prior shoulder concerns and a history of elbow/nerve issues; but for now, the toe is the primary obstacle.
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How old is he? Brock Purdy is 25 years old, turning 26 in December 2025.
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The team has listed him week to week, with an uncertain—but cautiously optimistic—timeline for return.
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In his absence, Mac Jones is starting, and the 49ers are managing a wave of injuries across the roster.
FAQs
Q1: Is Brock Purdy expected to return this season?
A1: Yes, the expectation is that he will return this season, barring further setbacks. However, the re-aggravation of his toe injury makes the timeline uncertain, and his return is more likely toward the middle or later part of the season.
Q2: What exactly is “turf toe” and why is it serious?
A2: Turf toe is a sprain (or strain) of the ligaments around the big toe joint (metatarsophalangeal joint). It occurs when the toe is forcefully hyperextended (bent up) repeatedly or under load, especially on artificial surfaces. For quarterbacks, who need strong push-off, planting, and mobility, a turf toe injury can significantly impair performance and risk worsening under stress.
Q3: Could Purdy’s shoulder or elbow issues reemerge later?
A3: Yes, there is always a risk. Purdy’s history includes an elbow nerve/contusion issue in 2024, and prior concerns about his UCL. While those have not currently derailed his career, any return must be monitored carefully to avoid cumulative damage.
Q4: Who is playing instead of Purdy?
A4: In Purdy’s absence, Mac Jones has been the starting quarterback. Additionally, Adrian Martinez has been elevated from the practice squad to provide backup depth.
Q5: What can fans watch for in the injury report?
A5: Check for updates like “limited practice,” “full practice,” or “day-to-day” designations, as well as MRI or test results. Also, pay attention to whether he can participate in non-contact drills or mobility work—those are good signs he’s progressing. Brock Purdy injury status.
Q6: Does this injury affect his long-term career prospects?
A6: It’s too early to conclude that. While repeated injuries can raise concerns about longevity, Purdy is still young with relatively few major time-loss injuries so far. If this recovery goes well and further setbacks are avoided, he should remain a significant piece of the 49ers’ future.
