Brock Purdy likely out for weeks after toe injury
- Brock Purdy injured his toe and is unlikely to play against the Saints.
- Mac Jones, a former Patriots quarterback, will start in his place.
- Purdy’s injury raises concerns about the team's performance in upcoming weeks.
In the United States, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is facing a significant setback due to a toe injury sustained during the team's season-opening victory against the Seattle Seahawks. Coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that Purdy was unable to practice and is now regarded as a "long shot" to play against the New Orleans Saints in the upcoming game. This injury raises concerns as Purdy may be sidelined for approximately two to five weeks. He had previously demonstrated his prowess in the opener, completing 26 of 35 passes for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Due to Purdy's anticipated absence, former New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is set to take over as the starter for San Francisco. Jones joined the 49ers in the offseason, signing a two-year, $7 million contract. His journey leading up to this moment has been rollercoaster-like; after being selected 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, he helped the Patriots make the playoffs during his rookie season. However, his performance waned over the next two seasons, leading to a mid-season benching in 2023. He later played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he started in place of an injured Trevor Lawrence. The 49ers are also dealing with other injuries impacting their roster. Tight end George Kittle has been placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury that sidelined him following Week 1, during which he managed to record four catches for 25 yards and a touchdown. This situation complicates Mac Jones's introduction into the starting lineup as he prepares to face the Saints without one of the team's top receiving threats. Shanahan expressed confidence in Jones's capabilities, highlighting his experience and skill set necessary to lead the team effectively. The 49ers' coaching staff is now bracing for the upcoming game without Purdy and Kittle as they navigate their injury-plagued lineup. Purdy's situation echoes concerns from last season, where he also missed games due to different injuries, including shoulder and elbow issues. As San Francisco aims to maintain its competitive edge in the league, the management is also taking steps to fortify their roster, including a recent deal to sign kicker Eddy Pineiro and bolster depth as they confront their current challenges on the field.