Purdy Limited, Week 9 Starter Uncertain

Brock Purdy remained limited in practice for a third consecutive week as he continues recovering from a right turf‑toe injury first suffered in Week 1 and re‑aggravated in Week 4, leaving him sidelined since Sept. 28. Mac Jones has started six games in Purdy’s absence and has performed capably; he was scheduled for practice after a minor knee contusion. 49ers coaches and general manager John Lynch said the Week 9 starting quarterback will depend on Purdy’s medical progress and the staff’s trust in his toe. Purdy is ramping up reps but the team is cautious because the injury has been unpredictable — last week he was limited and ultimately ruled out after setbacks — and Kyle Shanahan said Purdy must prove he isn’t hobbling in practice before being cleared. The 49ers’ overall availability remains in flux, with several players limited or out, including Jake Brendel, Bryce Huff, Ricky Pearsall and Brandon Aiyuk on PUP, and the final starting decision is expected as the week plays out.