Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday, sharing encouraging updates on two key offensive players—Brock Purdy and Brandon Aiyuk—as both continue working their way back from injuries.
Brock Purdy making progress in turf toe recovery
Purdy hasn’t played since Week 4 after reaggravating the turf toe injury he first suffered in Week 1. The 49ers briefly listed him as questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the New York Giants, which would have marked his first potential return since late September.
However, Purdy was ultimately among the team’s seven inactive players.
Despite still being limited in practice, Purdy’s recovery remains on track, according to Lynch.
“The progression is continuing,” Lynch said. “The last couple of weeks, last week and this week, he’s out there on the practice field, and we try to keep giving him a little more, and he’s making good progress. Turf toe is a tough injury. It’s painful, kind of persistent, doesn’t go away, so you try to give him a little bit more without irritating it too much. And I think that’s going well.
“He’s doing more this week. We’ll evaluate at the end of the week and see where we go. So, that’s where Brock’s at.”
Until Purdy is cleared, Mac Jones will continue to start in his place. Jones has filled in admirably, helping guide San Francisco to a 6-3 record.
“Mac continues to play at a really high level, and we’re grateful for that, and happy that Mac’s playing at a really good level that’s allowed us to win a lot of games this year,” Lynch said.
When asked whether Purdy could suit up as Jones’ backup before reclaiming the starting role, Lynch emphasized that the decision will depend entirely on his health.
“I think everything’s predicated on the health,” Lynch said. “And if we felt like that was a next step in allowing him to get healthy—Kyle’s (head coach Kyle Shanahan) been very clear: this is Brock’s team when he’s healthy. But maybe, at some point, that could be the next step towards getting back to that number one spot.
“So, I think everything’s available to us and we’ll do what’s in the best interest of Brock and in the best interest of our team.”
Brandon Aiyuk nearing a return from knee injury
Meanwhile, Aiyuk’s practice window has yet to be opened, as he continues to recover from the ACL and MCL injuries he suffered in October 2024.
When asked earlier this week if he’s confident Aiyuk will return this season, head coach Kyle Shanahan said, “I’m pretty confident that he’s going to, eventually. I mean, at least open up his practice window. We talk about it being week-to-week right now, so still waiting until he’s ready.”
Lynch echoed that patience is key, emphasizing the severity of Aiyuk’s initial injury.
“That was catastrophic—all three ligaments,” Lynch shared. “He did a lot to his knee. I think both things can be true. He can be having a miraculous recovery because he’s worked hard and because he’s different, frankly. He’s very blessed by the good Lord with his athletic ability, and those guys tend to heal faster.
“But still, it’s a long, long process, and you have to hit all the markers. And so, it’s come along well. We’re getting close to opening up that window, and we look forward to the time. We’re a better football team when he’s out there. He’s a really good football player. And so, we look forward to when that day comes.”
With both Purdy and Aiyuk trending in the right direction, the 49ers are optimistic about getting two of their top offensive weapons back as they continue their push toward the postseason.
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