The San Francisco 49ers are still recovering from a season-ending injury to All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner in last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 49ers have had a tough year with injuries. Fellow All-Pro defender Nick Bosa is also out for the rest of the year.
Things haven’t been as bad on offense but San Francisco will have to wait at least another week to get their starting quarterback back into the lineup.
Coach Kyle Shanahan ruled out Brock Purdy for Week 7’s ‘Sunday Night Football’ game at home against the Atlanta Falcons, per multiple reports. Backup Mac Jones will get the start for the fifth time in seven games this season.
Purdy initially suffered toe and shoulder injuries in San Francisco’s Week 1 win over Seattle. He’s been on the mend ever since. His appearance in a Week 4 loss to Jacksonville remains his most recent game.
Jones led the team to a 3-1 record as a starter. The former first-round pick has completed 113 of 168 passes (67.3%) for 1,252 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions through four games. His 313 passing yards per game leads the NFL.
San Francisco struggled against the Tampa Bay defense in Week 6. The Buccaneers sacked Jones six times for 51 yards and intercepted him twice.
Atlanta ranks first in the NFL in pass defense with 139.4 yards allowed per game and are second league-wide in sack percentage at 9.7%. Jones may have another tough day against an NFC South opponent.
When will Brock Purdy return?
There remains no set timetable for Purdy’s return from his toe injury. He at least was practicing this week even if it was in a limited fashion on Wednesday and Thursday.
San Francisco heads on the road in Week 8 for a game against the Houston Texans. Purdy may return to the field then, given that he’s taking part in practices.
49ers QB depth chart
Brock Purdy (injured)
Mac Jones
Adrian Martinez
Jones is also dealing with knee and oblique injuries ahead of Week 7. If he has to come out of the game at any point, former United Football League MVP Martinez will take over for him.
