After a big loss to NFC West rival Los Angeles, San Francisco 49ers fans could use some good news and coach Kyle Shanahan delivered.
Shanahan confirmed today that quarterback Brock Purdy will start this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. It’s the first time Purdy’s suited up for a game since Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
He’s missed all but two games on the 49ers’ schedule this season due to shoulder and, more importantly, toe injuries.
San Francisco’s gone with backup Mac Jones for most of the season and kept pace in the NFC playoff race. Major injuries – notably season-ending injuries to defensive stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner – have hit the team hard in 2025. Still, the 49ers are just one game back in the loss column for the NFC’s No. 7 seed in the playoffs.
The team’s traded wins and losses on a weekly basis with Jones as the starter from Week 5 on. If that pattern holds, they’re on for a road win this week in Purdy’s hometown. San Francisco’s top quarterback grew up in a suburb of Phoenix and will likely have lots of friends and family in attendance for Sunday’s game.
Shanahan also confirmed that one of Purdy’s top targets from last year, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, will also make his return to the field in Week 11. The second-year wideout ranked as high as third in the NFL in receiving yards before a hamstring injury sidelined him for much of the regular season.
49ers QB depth chart
Brock Purdy
Mac Jones
Adrian Martinez
Kurtis Rourke (non-football injury list)
With Purdy active this week, Martinez will likely be demoted to the practice squad or labeled as inactive for Sunday’s game.
NFC West playoff standings
No. 1 seed: Philadelphia Eagles (7-2, NFC East leader)
No. 2 seed:Seattle Seahawks (7-2, NFC West leader)
No. 3 seed:Detroit Lions (6-3, NFC North leader)
No. 4 seed:Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3, NFC South leader)
No. 5 seed:Los Angeles Rams (7-2)
No. 6 seed:Chicago Bears (6-3)
No. 7 seed: Green Bay Packers (5-3-1)
In the hunt: San Francisco 49ers (6-4), Carolina Panthers (5-5)