49ers Lose 26-15 to Texans; Purdy Out

The San Francisco 49ers lost 26-15 to the Houston Texans, a defeat coach Kyle Shanahan bluntly said exposed problems on both sides of the ball. PFF data show the defense was on the field for 80 plays, generated little consistent pressure except when blitzing, and struggled to contain C.J. Stroud while the offense hurt itself with pass-protection issues and drops. Brock Purdy was ruled out again with lingering turf-toe (his fourth straight game, sixth in seven weeks) and traveled with the team, and Mac Jones started in relief — he is 4-1 as a starter and has already triggered a $400,000 incentive with a chance for another $100,000. Shanahan and GM John Lynch said any midseason addition must help both this year and next, and insiders pushed back against trade speculation about dealing Jones. The 49ers also remain hampered by multiple other injuries and questionable statuses, including Ricky Pearsall, Bryce Huff, Yetur Gross‑Matos, Jake Brendel, Spencer Burford and Deommodore Lenoir, while Brandon Aiyuk could be eligible to return to practice soon.