49ers Continue to Face Personnel Crisis as QB1 Brock Purdy Reaggravates Injury on Return

San Francisco, September 30, 2025 – The great hope of the San Francisco 49ers at the quarterback position, Brock Purdy, returned to the field after two weeks of grueling absence, but the joy was short-lived, quickly turning into anxiety that enveloped Levi’s Stadium. In a 26-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4, Purdy unexpectedly reaggravated an old turf toe injury in his big toe – a wound that had sidelined him since the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks – plunging the 49ers’ offense into chaos and deepening the personnel crisis engulfing the team.

The injury occurred in the second quarter, when the game was still intensely competitive with a close score. Purdy, after completing 22/38 passes for 309 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, was hit hard by the Jaguars’ defense during a rushing play. He fell to the ground, clutching the previously injured foot area, his face clearly showing pain. The medical staff immediately intervened, taking him off the field for a thorough examination, and Purdy was unable to return for the remainder of the game. This was a devastating blow for the 49ers, a team already grappling with a series of injuries since the season began: from Nick Bosa (torn ACL, out for the season) to Brandon Aiyuk (ACL/MCL from last year), and now Purdy – the heart of their offense.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan, in the post-game press conference, couldn’t hide his disappointment mixed with worry. “We always want to protect our players and had prepared everything to ensure he could return in the best condition. Unfortunately, football always carries risks, and this is a testament to that. We will wait for the detailed medical examination results before making any decisions. However, the entire team will always stand by him.”

Purdy’s unexpected absence forced Mac Jones – who is grappling with a PCL knee injury – to step in, but his performance couldn’t compensate for the loss. With a packed schedule, including a “Thursday Night Football” matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5, the 49ers now must rely on Adrian Martinez or even an emergency call-up from the practice squad. This personnel crisis not only threatens their undefeated streak (now ended) but also raises serious questions about their Super Bowl contention. 49ers fans, accustomed to dramatic seasons, now can only hope for a miraculous recovery from Purdy – the man who once turned “Mr. Irrelevant” into an icon. But can Levi’s Stadium remain a “holy ground” without him? The answer will soon be determined.