49ers to Play It Safe with Brock Purdy, Mac Jones to Start

The San Francisco 49ers are taking a cautious approach with quarterback Brock Purdy, who has been ruled "highly unlikely" to start in Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Despite being listed as questionable, the team will not rush their franchise quarterback back from toe and shoulder injuries.

This marks the first missed game of Purdy's career, a significant moment for the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year. The dual-threat quarterback, known for his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, suffered a toe sprain that initially surprised many, given his late-game heroics in the season opener against Seattle. Purdy's injury was compounded by a shoulder issue that has also been a cause for concern.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has been adamant that the team is prioritizing Purdy's long-term health over a single game. "We're just not there all the way yet," Shanahan said, explaining the decision to hold him out. The team's logic is centered on how vulnerable Purdy might be to further injuring himself if he returns to the field too soon. His status for Sunday will be determined by whether he is healthy enough to serve as the emergency third quarterback, a clear indication that the team is prioritizing his long-term health.

With Purdy on the sidelines, Mac Jones will get the nod as the starter. Jones, who led the team to a victory in Week 2, has proven he can capably lead the offense. The team is confident in his ability to continue the winning streak and avoid risking Purdy's well-being.

Ideally, Jones will be the only quarterback to see the field for San Francisco at Levi's Stadium, allowing Purdy to rest and recover fully. The 49ers are a team built for a deep postseason run, and they understand that having a healthy Purdy is the key to achieving their goals. This decision, while difficult, shows the team's commitment to protecting their most valuable asset for the battles that lie ahead.