Purdy to Start as 49ers Host Jaguars

Brock Purdy is set to return as the 49ers’ starting quarterback Sunday in Santa Clara after missing Weeks 2–3 with a variant of turf toe and being cleared to play; Mac Jones will return to backup duty after his two-game starting stint that helped San Francisco reach 3–0. The 49ers remain banged up, with key skill-position players including George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings sidelined or listed questionable and Nick Bosa out for the season, forcing the team to balance getting Purdy reps with protecting his toe. Jacksonville presents a tough matchup with a turnover-forcing defense and playmakers who can exploit protection weaknesses, and San Francisco will need creative pass-rush plans to generate pressure without Bosa. Sunday’s game will test whether Purdy is fully healthy and whether the 49ers’ depleted receiving corps and adjusted pass rush can keep the team unbeaten.