49ers QB Brock Purdy ‘highly unlikely’ to start Sunday vs. Cardinals

Mac Jones is expected to get a second straight start at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday it is “highly unlikely” that Brock Purdy, who is dealing with a turf toe-like injury, will be able to start Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.

Kyle Shanahan said it’s “highly unlikely” that Brock Purdy will start on Sunday. The hope is that he’ll be able to be in uniform.

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 19, 2025

Shanahan said the hope is that Purdy can serve as either the No. 2 or No. 3 quarterback, a decision the 49ers will have to make by Saturday afternoon.

If they decide Purdy won’t be able to suit up, the 49ers would elevate Adrian Martinez from the practice squad so that he can serve as Jones’ backup.

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If the 49ers want to have three passers available Sunday — with the third serving as the emergency quarterback — all three must be on the active roster. In that scenario, Martinez would be promoted to the 53-man roster with the team opening up a roster spot by cutting a player or placing someone, perhaps receiver Jordan Watkins (groin), on injured reserve.

Jones started for Purdy in a Week 2 win over the New Orleans Saints and completed 26 of 39 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns.

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