Brock Purdy could be ready for the 49ers' Week 3 game against the Cardinals, but don't expect him to see the field.
Purdy (left shoulder/toe) was listed as questionable on San Francisco's Friday injury report after participating in practice in limited fashion during the week.
In most cases, such a designation would lead to a belief Purdy might be able to play on Sunday, with his status proving to be a game-time decision. That's not entirely accurate regarding Purdy this weekend; coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Friday it is "highly unlikely" Purdy will start, and they're simply waiting to see whether Purdy is healthy enough to be able to serve as the backup or emergency third quarterback.
The 49ers' logic is centered on how vulnerable Purdy might be to further injuring himself if he returns to the field too soon. Giving the quarterback a couple of additional days to heal and allowing him to test it out simply increases their chances of having their usual starter available as a second option at best. If he were called into action, it would only be out of necessity -- and that's if he feels good enough to even dress as the backup.
"Just seeing what he would be limited in," Shanahan said when asked to explain the thinking behind allowing Purdy to dress when risk could be involved. "There's certain things that he could do, maybe certain things that he couldn't. Trying to decide if he can do that. You won't know that until Sunday. ... Don't want to force it Sunday, but don't mind finding out if you have to."
Purdy initially landed on the injury report following San Francisco's season-opening victory over Seattle with a toe injury that surprised many, especially given the fact Purdy authored a late go-ahead touchdown drive with plenty of scrambling. Even more stunning was the prognosis that included the potential for Purdy to miss multiple weeks.
Mac Jones replaced Purdy and led the 49ers to another victory in Week 2. He will be the starter Sunday.
Ideally, he'll be the only quarterback to see the field for San Francisco at Levi's Stadium.
