Brock Purdy confidently states 49ers are in ‘right spot’ for NFL playoff run originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The 49ers’ offense is the healthiest it has been during the 2025 NFL season after quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall returned to the field in Week 11, but the defense remains hindered by injuries.

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Despite all of the setbacks San Francisco has faced, Purdy still believes the team has what it takes to return to the NFL playoffs and make a run at a Super Bowl ring thanks to a next-man-up mentality.

“No secret, we’ve had guys step up on defense, and have to play, whether they’re young guys or backups,” Purdy told Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer after the 49ers’ 41-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at State Farm Stadium. “That’s part of it. They’ve done a great job. We’ve found ways to win. Offensively, we are getting healthier and getting back to our original starting roster, which feels great. We are confident in that. I think, as a whole, we have to find ways to win and play complementary football. When the defense gets stops, we have to go score as an offense.

“It can be done. I still really do believe we have everyone in the right spot for us to make a run and achieve our goals.”

Purdy didn’t miss a beat Sunday, which was his first start in weeks following a six-game absence due to a turf toe injury. The fourth-year pro completed 19 of 26 passes for 200 yards with three touchdowns, no interceptions and a 133.5 passer rating. He also made NFL history in the win with that last stat, as it marked the 11th time in Purdy’s career that he posted a passer rating of at least 130.0, which is the most by an NFL quarterback through his first four seasons since at least 1970.

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There’s no denying Purdy’s return was electric and the offense was humming, but the 49ers didn’t sink without him, either, as backup Mac Jones went 5-3 as the starter in his absence. The defense certainly was not without its fault against Arizona, though the unit has done more than enough to keep San Francisco afloat in the standings despite season-ending injuries to Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, along with countless other defenders missing time throughout the campaign as well.

The most recent hit to the 49ers’ defense is a high ankle sprain sustained in Sunday’s win by linebacker Tatum Bethune, who is expected to miss multiple weeks. Kicker Eddy Piñeiro, who is a perfect 22-for-22 on field goals since signing with the 49ers in September, also is week to week with a Grade 1 hamstring injury.

The 49ers’ resilience has them sitting in the NFC’s final playoff spot as the No. 7 seed after Sunday’s win. And while there are plenty of games left until the postseason, it’s clear Purdy believes in his squad.

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