Brock Purdy Ruled Out For Week 8

Brock Purdy, who injured his toe in Week 1 and briefly returned in Week 4 before re-aggravating it, was ruled out for Sunday’s game at Houston after limited practice. Team officials, including GM John Lynch, say Purdy is making progress but have given no firm timetable, and coach Kyle Shanahan cautioned a return this week would be a reach; Purdy will travel with the team but his status remains uncertain. Backup Mac Jones will make his sixth start (4-1 as a starter), has averaged about 280.8 passing yards per game and more than 1,400 yards overall, and has kept the 49ers competitive in Purdy’s absence. San Francisco (5-2) has also suffered significant injuries — including season-ending or multi-week losses to Nick Bosa, Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall and Bryce Huff — forcing schematic and personnel adjustments. The 49ers will rely on Jones and their defense against a Texans team coached by former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as they try to gain ground in the NFC West during the Rams’ and Seahawks’ bye weeks.