San Francisco 49ers’ Brock Purdy Faces Potential Week 2 Absence Due to Toe and Shoulder Injuries

September 11, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers may be without starting Quarterback Brock Purdy for their Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Purdy suffered injuries to both his left shoulder and toe in Sunday’s 17-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, raising concerns about his ability to play next week.

Injury Details Remain Vague

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media on Monday, offering limited specifics about the nature of the injuries. He indicated that the toe injury appears more concerning than the shoulder ailment, stating, “I’d probably say the toe’s worse than the shoulder… We’ve got to see how it heals and how the week goes.” As of wednesday, Shanahan described Purdy’s chances of playing against the saints as “a long shot.”

Understanding Toe Injuries – A Complex Anatomy

The severity of Purdy’s toe injury hinges on the precise location and type of damage sustained. The human foot, and specifically the toes, comprises bones, ligaments, cartilage, soft tissues, and nails, all susceptible to injury. according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, foot and ankle injuries account for a significant portion of sports-related trauma.

Bone Fractures: A Spectrum of Severity

The bones within the toes – known as phalanges – can experience fractures ranging from minor stress fractures caused by repetitive stress to complete breaks resulting from acute force. A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone, often developing over time with continuous impact. Conversely, a more significant fracture can occur from a direct blow or awkward twisting motion.When a bone fragment shifts out of alignment, it’s considered a displaced fracture, frequently requiring surgical intervention to ensure proper healing. Non-displaced fractures typically heal within four to eight weeks, but big toe fractures can take longer due to the increased weight-bearing demands.

Dislocations And The Importance Of Reduction

A toe dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its joint. Prompt reduction – restoring the bone to its proper position – is crucial to prevent further damage. This can be achieved through closed reduction, manipulating the toe back into place without surgery, or open reduction, requiring a surgical procedure. Rapid and triumphant reduction can allow for a relatively quick return to activity, but severe dislocations, particularly in the big toe, may require up to eight weeks of recovery.

Ligament Tears And The Case Of ‘Turf Toe’

Ligaments, the connective tissues that stabilize the toe joints, are susceptible to sprains and tears. A common football injury,”turf toe,” involves a sprain of the ligaments at the base of the big toe. Sprain severity depends on the extent of ligament damage. Partial tears typically require three to six weeks to heal, while complete tears may necessitate surgical repair.

Soft Tissue Damage And Nail Injuries

Beyond bones and ligaments, the soft tissues and nails of the toes can also sustain damage. Bruising,inflammation,and corns or calluses can result from friction and pressure. Nail injuries, such as tears or hematomas, can be particularly painful.

Mac Jones Prepared To Step In

mac Jones #10 is prepared to start if Brock Purdy is unable to play.

With Purdy’s status uncertain, backup quarterback Mac Jones is preparing to potentially take the field against the Saints. Shanahan has not ruled Purdy out entirely, but his assessment indicates a challenging path to recovery for the 25-year-old quarterback. If Purdy cannot play, Jones will be tasked with leading the 49ers’ offense.

Foot and Ankle Injury Prevention

Preventing toe and foot injuries involves several key strategies, including wearing properly fitted footwear, utilizing appropriate protective gear during athletic activities, and incorporating regular stretching and strengthening exercises to improve foot and ankle stability. Athletes should also be mindful of surface conditions and avoid overtraining to minimize the risk of stress fractures.

Did You Know? According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of athletic Training, approximately 13% of all high school sports injuries involve the foot and ankle.

Pro Tip: If you suspect a toe injury, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve recovery outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Toe Injuries

• What is a toe fracture? A toe fracture is a break in one of the bones in your toe, ranging in severity from hairline cracks to complete breaks.
• How long does a toe fracture take to heal? Healing time varies depending on the fracture’s severity,typically ranging from four to eight weeks.
• What is turf toe? Turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments around the big toe joint, common in athletes.
• What are the symptoms of a toe dislocation? Symptoms include pain, swelling, and visible deformity of the toe.
• When should I see a doctor for a toe injury? Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, swelling, deformity, or inability to bear weight.
• Can I still walk with a fractured toe? It might potentially be possible to walk with a minor toe fracture,but it’s not recommended,and medical evaluation is crucial.
• What is the treatment for a severely dislocated toe? A severely dislocated toe usually requires a medical professional to put the bone back in place, potentially requiring surgery.

Will Purdy be able to recover in time for Sunday’s game? And how will the 49ers’ offense perform with Jones under center if Purdy is sidelined? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What is the potential impact of Purdy’s absence on the 49ers’ passing game strategy?

Injury Details & Timeline

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is facing a potentially important setback, jeopardizing his availability for Week 2.Reports indicate injuries to both his toe and shoulder sustained during the Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the full extent of the damage is still being evaluated, early indications suggest a possible absence.

Toe Injury: Initial reports point to a turf toe injury, a sprain of the ligaments around the big toe joint. Severity can range from mild to severe, impacting mobility and throwing power.

Shoulder Injury: The shoulder injury appears to be a contusion,though further testing is needed to rule out any ligament or muscle strain. This could affect Purdy’s ability to make throws requiring significant arm strength.

Timeline: The 49ers are expected to provide a more definitive update on Purdy’s status within the next 24-48 hours. The team will likely monitor his progress throughout the week before making a final decision on his availability for the upcoming game.

Impact on the 49ers’ Offense

Brock Purdy’s potential absence throws a wrench into the 49ers’ offensive plans.He’s become a crucial component of Kyle shanahan’s system, known for his quick decision-making and accuracy.

Offensive Scheme: Shanahan’s offense relies heavily on timing and precision. A change at quarterback could disrupt the rhythm and require adjustments to play calls.

Key Receivers: Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle all thrive with a quarterback who can consistently deliver accurate passes. A less mobile or less accurate quarterback could limit their effectiveness.

Running Game: While the 49ers boast a strong running game, opposing defenses will likely focus on stopping the run if Purdy is sidelined, knowing the passing attack might potentially be compromised.

Potential Replacements: Who Steps Up?

If Brock Purdy is unable to play, the 49ers have a couple of options at quarterback:

1. Sam Darnold: Acquired in the offseason, Darnold has NFL starting experience. He’s a capable passer with a strong arm, but has struggled with consistency in the past. He represents the most likely immediate replacement.
2. Brandon Allen: Allen is a veteran backup who provides depth but lacks significant game experience. He would likely be a short-term solution if Darnold also becomes unavailable.

Fantasy Football Implications: Purdy’s injury significantly impacts fantasy football rankings. His potential absence elevates the value of darnold and the 49ers’ running backs, while downgrading the receiving corps. Monitor injury reports closely for updates.

Historical Precedent: Quarterback Injuries & Team Performance

The 49ers have a history of navigating quarterback injuries. Looking back at previous seasons provides insight into how the team has adapted:

2020 (Jimmy Garoppolo Injuries): Frequent injuries to Garoppolo forced the 49ers to rely on backup quarterbacks, ultimately derailing their Super Bowl aspirations.

2018 (Nick Mullens Emergence): When garoppolo went down in 2018, Nick Mullens stepped up and provided a spark, showcasing the team’s ability to find viable replacements.

Recent NFL Trends: Across the NFL, teams with starting quarterback injuries frequently enough experience a dip in offensive production and overall win percentage. Maintaining a strong running game and solid defense becomes even more critical in these situations.

Monitoring the Injury: What to Watch For

Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring several key indicators as the week progresses:

practice Participation: Whether Purdy participates in practice, and to what extent, will be a crucial sign of his recovery.

Pain Levels: Reports on Purdy’s pain levels will provide insight into the severity of his injuries.

Range of Motion: Assessing Purdy’s range of motion in his toe and shoulder will indicate his ability to throw effectively.

* Medical Imaging: Results from any MRI or X-ray scans will provide a definitive diagnosis and timeline for recovery.

49ers’ Depth Chart Considerations

Beyond the quarterback position, the 49ers