Purdy Sidelined; Mac Jones Keeps 49ers Winning

The San Francisco 49ers are 5-2 despite mounting injuries, including season-ending losses to defensive stalwarts Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. Quarterback Brock Purdy remains sidelined with a Grade-3 turf toe and has missed five games; multiple reports and coach Kyle Shanahan describe him as day-to-day and unlikely to play in Week 8 against the Houston Texans after a recent on-field workout left him feeling off. Backup Mac Jones has started five games and gone 4-1, completing 67% of his passes for 1,404 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions while stabilizing the offense. Given Houston’s tough defense and the team’s Week 9 bye, the 49ers are comfortable riding Jones and protecting Purdy for a fuller return if needed.