With the 49ers off to a 2-0 start, all eyes turn to Sunday’s divisional clash with the undefeated Cardinals. San Francisco’s 2025 vision has been clear. That is, to redeem last season’s 6–11 stumble by leaning on youth, Robert Saleh’s retooled defense, and also on Brock Purdy’s rise as the franchise cornerstone. Purdy, armed with a new $265 million contract, signed in May 2025, and tasked with leading the 49ers back into contention, is central to their narrative. However, Purdy’s status remains uncertain after toe and shoulder setbacks. As the Cardinals‘ game looms, all eyes remain on Purdy’s availability as he continues managing his nagging toe injury.

Amidst this, Ian Rapoport took to his X account to post the latest update on his injury status. It reads, “From TNF Nightcap on @NFLonPrime: The latest on the statuses of #49ers QB Brock Purdy and #Vikings QB JJ McCarthy.” And, his on-air explanation left little room for certainty. “My understanding is that Brock Purdy’s status is still very much up in the air for Sunday,” Rapoport said.

The quarterback has been battling what Shanahan described as a “turf toe-like” injury since Week 1. And, even though he has practiced on a limited basis, Rapoport stressed that “he is very limited.” The decision, as the insider put it, is going to come down to “how he feels around game time.”

In short, Purdy does “at least have a chance to play.” But Rapoport also suggested that Mac Jones is in line now for a second consecutive start. The backup QB impressed last week against the Saints, throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns as the 49ers won 26-21.

Indeed, it was the best statistical game of Jones since he made his New England debut in 2023. As Rapoport underlined, “It certainly seems like Mac Jones is a better chance” to start, even if Purdy pushes to be on the field.

That leaves the 49ers staring at a familiar dilemma as the one before the Saints game. Unlike last week, when Purdy was ruled out early, the team looks headed toward a game-time decision. “Just got to see come game time how I feel,” the quarterback himself admitted on Thursday.

For the 49ers, undefeated at 2-0 and facing their division-rival Cardinals, the choice between a determined starter and a confident backup is looking quite large. But, there could be a silver lining for the fans as Rapoport also suggested that there may be a gradual shift from an earlier “2–5 week” recovery timeline to the very real possibility of an earlier return. For now, the 49ers plan to see how Purdy feels closer to kickoff before making the final call.

Latest update on Brock Purdy’s injury

Meanwhile, the injury itself has proven to be tricky. Purdy had faced the setback during a scramble against Seattle in the opener, on Sept. 7, 2025. But, despite that, he continued to play through the pain. In fact, he went 26 for 35 for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. And, this led them to a game-winning touchdown drive.

But, post-game, reports on the injury quickly surged up, as they described it as a variant of turf toe involving a ligament near the big toe. And, it did not stop here. Adding to the complication, he also absorbed a hit that impacted his non-throwing shoulder.

However, Purdy himself came forth to weigh in on the situation. “I feel like I’m happy with the progress that I’ve been making with my foot, my toe,” Purdy said on Thursday. “It’s a day-to-day thing with how I feel.” But he has also made his intentions clear. “I want to play every game… but I’m trying to be smart with my body here.”

Even head coach Kyle Shanahan is bordering on the same balance of optimism and caution. “If Brock can go, and protect himself, and the trainers say that they don’t think it’s a risk, and Brock feels confident to perform, then it doesn’t matter at all to me what the backup does,” he told KNBR on September 18.

Moreover, Shanahan took to reiterating that Mac Jones’s strong outing “really has no difference” on the call. At the end, it all comes down to Purdy’s health. General manager John Lynch added his encouragement, noting the quarterback’s return to the practice field as “a positive sign.” But even he emphasized that the focus is on how his foot responds after work. So, the days leading up to the game against the Cardinals on Sunday will be filled with ‘fingers crossed’ moments for the 49ers and their fans in anticipation of Purdy’s potential return.