49ers QB Brock Purdy ruled out for Week 6 game vs Buccaneers, per report

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers may have walked out of Levi’s Stadium on Thursday night with one of the most thrilling wins of the NFL season, but they’ll enter Week 6 with a familiar problem — a quarterback crisis.

Behind backup Mac Jones, the 49ers earned a gritty 26-23 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football, capping a performance that showcased the team’s resilience and depth. Jones, pressed into action with Brock Purdy still recovering from a lingering toe injury, delivered a career-best outing that silenced critics and temporarily stabilized San Francisco’s offense.

Yet, as the dust settled from the prime-time victory, uncertainty loomed large once again at the most important position on the field.

Brock Purdy Ruled Out for Week 6

According to multiple reports, starting quarterback Brock Purdy has been ruled out for the 49ers’ upcoming Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Purdy’s injury, initially suffered in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, was originally described as a mild toe sprain. However, sources within the organization now acknowledge that the healing process has been “slower than expected.”

Team medical staff opted to hold Purdy out of practice entirely this week, signaling that the 24-year-old signal-caller is unlikely to suit up until at least Week 7.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed Purdy’s status briefly during his Friday media session, saying the decision was “precautionary.”

“We’re not going to rush it,” Shanahan said. “Brock’s our guy, but we also have to think long term. We’ll reassess next week, but right now, it’s about getting him back to 100 percent.”

Mac Jones Delivers in Relief

If Thursday’s win was any indication, the 49ers can feel some relief knowing they have a capable replacement.

Jones, acquired this offseason in a low-cost trade with the New England Patriots, put together arguably his most complete performance as a pro. The former first-round pick completed 28 of 36 passes for 322 yards and two touchdowns, adding a rushing score in the second half that electrified the home crowd.

“I just wanted to do my job,” Jones said postgame. “Coach Shanahan puts us in great positions. I just stayed patient and trusted the guys around me.”

Jones’ precision on intermediate throws and command at the line of scrimmage earned high praise from teammates. Star tight end George Kittle, who caught one of Jones’ touchdown passes, said the quarterback “played like he’s been in this system for years.”

“Mac was cool under pressure,” Kittle said. “He was talking in the huddle, keeping everyone calm. That’s what leaders do.”

Injuries Cloud the Quarterback Picture

The problem, however, is that Jones himself isn’t fully healthy.

Late in the third quarter of Thursday’s win, Jones appeared to tweak his oblique while scrambling for a first down. He also took a low hit on a sack in the fourth quarter that reportedly left him with a minor knee strain.

Though Jones finished the game, he was seen walking gingerly toward the locker room afterward and was listed as questionable on Friday’s official injury report.

Shanahan confirmed that Jones will undergo additional testing over the weekend.

“He’s sore, no doubt,” the coach said. “We’ll evaluate him day to day. He’s tough as nails, but we’ll be smart with him.”

If Jones can’t go, rookie quarterback Malik Murphy, an undrafted free agent out of Texas, could be thrust into his first NFL start — a daunting possibility given the Buccaneers’ physical defense.

Offensive Adjustments and Team Confidence

Even with the quarterback uncertainty, the 49ers’ offensive rhythm appeared smoother in Week 5. The offensive line provided consistent protection, and running back Christian McCaffrey added 128 total yards from scrimmage, continuing his Offensive Player of the Year-caliber season.

Wideout Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel combined for 14 receptions and 181 yards, helping Jones settle in early.

Offensive coordinator Brian Griese credited the team’s chemistry and preparation.

“We didn’t change the game plan much,” Griese said. “Mac stepped in and executed at a high level. That’s a testament to the way this locker room prepares.”

The 49ers now sit at 4–1, maintaining pace with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC playoff race.

The Road Ahead: Tampa Bay and Beyond

Looking forward, San Francisco faces a crucial two-game stretch that could define its season. After traveling to Tampa Bay in Week 6, the 49ers will host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7 — a potential Super Bowl preview if both teams stay on track.

For now, the focus remains on health and stability.

Veteran lineman Trent Williams said the team has full confidence in whoever lines up under center.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s Brock, Mac, or even Malik — we believe in every guy on this roster,” Williams said. “We’ve been through adversity before. This group doesn’t blink.”

Shanahan echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the 49ers’ identity goes beyond one player.

“We’re built to handle injuries,” he said. “We’ve got leaders at every position, and that’s what winning teams do — they adapt.”

A Team Tested Again

For a franchise that’s endured more than its share of quarterback chaos over the past few years — from Jimmy Garoppolo’s injuries to Trey Lance’s short tenure — the current situation feels like déjà vu.

Still, there’s an underlying confidence that this version of the 49ers is deeper, more composed, and better equipped to handle turbulence.

As Mac Jones limped off the field Thursday night to a standing ovation, the message from the fans was clear: this team, battered or not, still believes it can win.

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