How long is Brock Purdy out? Toe injury timeline, return date, latest updates on 49ers QB

One week into the new season, things went from bad to worse for the San Francisco 49ers.

San Francisco’s big Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks proved costly, as star tight end George Kittle suffered a hamstring injury that placed him on IR, and starting quarterback Brock Purdy was banged up with multiple ailments. Now, those ailments may keep him sidelined for a significant amount of time.

In the lead-up to Week 2, Purdy’s status was in question, but each update proved to be increasingly concerning. Then, the Niners began to prepare to be without their signal-caller for the foreseeable future.

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Here is what to know about Purdy’s injury and how long it may keep him off the field.

What is Brock Purdy’s injury?

Purdy’s injury is being described as a “turf toe variant,” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The injury occurred at some point during San Francisco’s Week 1 win over Seattle, a game in which Purdy also injured his left shoulder. Despite the injuries, Purdy played through both and finished the game.

MORE: 49ers place George Kittle on injured reserve

How long is Brock Purdy out?

Purdy could miss a total of two to five weeks, according to Rapoport.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan initially called Purdy a “long shot” to play in the team’s Week 2 meeting with the New Orleans Saints, but the latest update could hold the 25-year-old out through Week 6 of the season.

Purdy officially missed Week 2 as Mac Jones stepped in. However, on Wednesday, Shanahan said that Purdy’s injury has “improved to the point” that he will be a limited participant in practice, which is a positive development for the quarterback. Prior to then, he was more heavily expected to be out through Week 3.

The 49ers are officially considering Purdy questionable for Week 3, per Adam Schefter. All things considered, that’s likely a positive outcome for his status moving forward, whether he can play this week or not. 

However, Shanahan then said that even with Purdy’s improvement, it’s “highly unlikely” he starts in Week 3. He added that Purdy could be the backup, but is more likely to return to starting in Week 4.

Because there has been a wide range of potential time missed for Purdy, his return timeline has been determined by the way his injury heals and responds to treatment. But his questionable tag, a Week 3 return, even as a backup is not out of the realm of possibility. 

Purdy’s official status for Week 3 should become more clear early Sunday afternoon, but he’s expected to be either out, or active but backing up Mac Jones.

MORE: What is Brock Purdy’s net worth?

49ers schedule 2025

Purdy missed Week 2 against the Saints and could also be out for Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals, although that remains to be seen. He’s listed as questionable for that game.

Here is a look at the next four games on San Francisco’s schedule: