Introduction
Brock Purdy rose rapidly in prominence since being drafted, earning the nickname “Mr. Relevant” thanks to his uncanny ability to lead late in games and win against expectations. However, the 2025 NFL season has been shaken by injuries, and Purdy’s health has become a weekly point of speculation.
If you’re asking “Where is Purdy today? Did he play? Why isn’t he playing?”, this article compiles the most up-to-date information, explains the medical and strategic factors, and offers insight into his likely path back to the field.
Who Is Brock Purdy?
To understand the stakes, here’s a quick refresher on Purdy’s career:
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Full name & background: Brock Purdy, born December 27, 1999, from Queen Creek, Arizona.
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College & draft: He played college ball at Iowa State (2018–2021). He was drafted in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft (pick 262) by the 49ers.
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NFL trajectory: Despite being a late pick, he became the 49ers’ starter and drew praise for composure and clutch performances.
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2025 contract: In May 2025, he signed a five-year, $265 million extension.
Given his status as the franchise quarterback and his contract, his health is of prime importance to San Francisco’s season success.
What’s Going On Today: Why Isn’t Purdy Playing?
As of the latest reports, Brock Purdy is ruled out for today’s game due to a re-aggravated toe injury (commonly referred to as “turf toe”) and lingering issues in his shoulder.
Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons:
Turf Toe / Toe Injury
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Purdy suffered a turf toe variant in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
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He initially was expected to miss 2–5 weeks, a typical window for more severe toe injuries.
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Although he returned in Week 4, he re-aggravated the injury during the game versus Jacksonville, confirmed via MRI.
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Because the recovery is delicate, even slight aggravations can set him back, making him “week to week.”
Shoulder / Other Issues
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In addition to toe issues, Purdy has been dealing with shoulder soreness.
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Combining toe and shoulder complaints adds complexity to his rehab; one limb issue can influence another in throwing mechanics.
Strategic & Precautionary Considerations
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The 49ers have opted to be cautious with their franchise QB. Even when Purdy showed signs of improvement, the team has leaned toward caution rather than risk reinjury.
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Given the short week leading into the upcoming game and practice conditions, giving Purdy full recovery time is deemed more prudent than a hasty return.
Thus, “why isn’t Purdy playing today?” can be succinctly answered: because his toe injury hasn’t healed fully and has been aggravated, and the 49ers are exercising caution to avoid further damage.
Where Is Purdy Now — Status Update & Timeline
Current Status
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Purdy is officially ruled out for today’s game against the Rams.
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The team has designated him as week to week; no firm return date is given.
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His absence marks at least the third game missed this season due to injury.
Recovery & Outlook
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When Purdy first went down, the expectation was 2–5 weeks out.
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After his return, the setback caused renewed caution.
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Because toe injuries are tricky and often sensitive to movement, recovery is incremental — rest, controlled rehab, increasing load, and monitoring response.
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There is no guarantee he will return next week, as each week is being evaluated depending on pain levels, functionality in practice, and imaging.
In short, Purdy’s status is tenuous but not hopeless — the 49ers are treating his injury seriously so as not to jeopardize the rest of the season.
Did He Play Today?
As of today’s game, Brock Purdy did not play. He is officially ruled out due to injury.
Instead, the 49ers are turning to Mac Jones to start under center. Adrian Martinez (from the practice squad) has also been elevated to serve as backup.
While Purdy had some moments of improvement and was expected to be in consideration in prior weeks, today’s decision reflects an abundance of caution given the renewed injury status.
What Happens Next — Scenarios & Expectations
Let’s examine possible paths forward for Brock Purdy’s return and how the 49ers may manage the quarterback role in the interim.
Possible Recovery Scenarios
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Short-Term Return
Purdy recovers fully in 1–2 weeks, begins limited practice, and returns when cleared. This depends on good imaging, lack of recurrence, and strong rehab response. -
Extended Absence
The toe could remain stubborn, lasting into multiple weeks, especially given his re-injury. Each week would be evaluated on symptoms, imaging, and readiness. -
Gradual Return (Packages / Limited Snap Count)
Even if cleared, the team may ease him back in — using him in certain packages or limiting throwing volume initially.
Which scenario materializes depends on medical staff, Purdy’s individual healing, and game-day readiness.
Interim QB Plan
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Mac Jones is the current starter. He’s now beginning his third start this season.
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Adrian Martinez has been elevated from the practice squad to provide depth.
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The 49ers may lean heavily on running back Christian McCaffrey, especially in the passing game, given receiver injuries.
Until Purdy returns, the team will run its offense through Jones and other weapons, adapt play-calling to protect the backup, and manage game flow to reduce undue stress.
Historical Context: Purdy’s Injury History & Durability
Injury concerns are not new for Purdy. Understanding his past health profile helps frame the present situation.
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In 2024, he missed games due to shoulder and elbow injuries.
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With multiple offensive weapons sidelined last season, he had to shoulder greater burden, increasing injury risk.
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His consistent performance when healthy, plus contract commitment, underscores how critical his recovery is to the franchise.
Thus, while the current injury is serious, it is part of a broader risk profile for a high-usage quarterback.
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why is Brock Purdy not playing today?
A: He is officially ruled out due to a toe injury (turf toe variant) that was aggravated in recent play, along with lingering shoulder issues.
Q: Was Brock Purdy playing today?
A: No — he did not play today. Mac Jones started in his place.
Q: What is Purdy’s injury status?
A: He is classified as “week to week” as he recovers from toe and shoulder issues, with no firm date for return.
Q: How did he get injured?
A: His injury stems from a turf toe variant sustained in the season opener; the injury was aggravated in a later game (Week 4 vs Jacksonville).
Q: Will he miss multiple games?
A: It’s possible. The initial timeframe was 2–5 weeks. With the aggravation, further absence is plausible, and each week will be evaluated.
Q: Who is replacing Purdy at QB?
A: Mac Jones is starting. Adrian Martinez has been elevated from the practice squad as backup.
Q: When might Purdy return?
A: There is no definitive timeline yet. It depends on his recovery, imaging results, and responsiveness to rehab. The “week to week” designation suggests cautious optimism.
Q: How severe is a turf toe injury?
A: Turf toe involves injury to the ligaments around the big toe joint. It can vary from mild sprain to ligamentous damage, and recovery can be unpredictable, especially with repeated stress.
Q: Does this injury threaten his long-term career?
A: Not necessarily, but repeated or poorly managed injuries can accumulate. The 49ers appear intent on protecting his long-term availability given his role and contract. Brock Purdy not playing today.
Conclusion
If you were wondering “Why isn’t Brock Purdy playing today?”, the answer is clear: he remains sidelined with a re-aggravated toe injury and related shoulder issues, and the 49ers have ruled him out for today’s game. He did not play, and Mac Jones will lead the offense in his stead.
Purdy’s status remains week to week, and his path back depends on how well his body heals and the care the team takes in returning him. As more updates arrive, stay tuned for announcements from the 49ers, injury reports, and official confirmations.
