When Brock Purdy, the quarterback for the 49ers, was ruled out for Thursday Night Football, backup Mac Jones, a former draft pick now stepping in as starter, took the helm; head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch scrambled to adjust the roster ahead of a clash with division rival Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 2.
Injury Overview: Who’s Out and Why
The injury list reads like a bad lottery ticket. Purdy’s lingering toe inflammation, which first forced him onto the sidelines in Weeks 2 and 3, flared up again after the 49ers fell 24‑17 to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 1. The team’s medical staff announced he would sit out the Thursday night game, marking his third missed appearance of the season from the same ailment.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings is also a no‑show. He’s been nursing an ankle sprain, a rib contusion from a hard hit in the Jaguars game, and a lingering shoulder strain that kept him out of Week 3. The 49ers listed him as a non‑participant on Monday’s report, meaning he couldn’t even attend a practice.
Second‑year receiver Ricky Pearsall suffered a knee knock during the same Jaguar loss. General manager John Lynch said the short‑week turn‑around made a questionable designation too risky, so the team ruled him out entirely.
Rookie wideout Jordan Watkins misses his fifth straight contest with a nagging calf strain, and defensive end Robert Beal sits out with an ankle injury. Even star tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remain on long‑term injury lists.
All told, the 49ers have nine players on the injury report for Thursday, a staggering tally for a team that’s only 3‑1.
Backup Quarterback Steps In
Mac Jones will get the snap for the third time this season. In his two prior starts – a 28‑21 win over New Orleans and a 31‑24 victory against Arizona – he completed 66% of his throws for a combined 563 yards, four touchdowns and a single interception. Those numbers have kept the 49ers unbeaten, and the coaching staff trusts his poise under pressure.
"We’ve got confidence in Mac’s ability to manage the game and keep our offense moving," Shanahan said at the Thursday press conference. "His chemistry with the receivers, even the ones that are on the sidelines, has been built in practice. He knows the routes, the timing, and the protection schemes."
Jones will still face a menacing Rams defense that has allowed just 260 yards per game this season. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald will line up opposite San Francisco’s rookie defensive tackle C.J. West, who is listed as questionable with a thumb sprain.
Statistically, the Rams are 3‑1, matching the 49ers, but they rank second in the NFC West in points per game (22.5) while the 49ers sit at 24.3. The matchup could hinge on which unit can impose its will first.
Wide Receiver Woes and Play‑Calling Adjustments
With Jennings and Pearsall sidelined, the 49ers lose roughly 1,200 yards of combined receiving production from the first four weeks. Coach Shanahan admitted the playbook will be trimmed.
"We’ll rely more on the depth we have – Deebo Samuel, who’s back from a hamstring issue, will see more targets, and we’ll sprinkle in some motion to free up the running game," Shanahan added.
Deebo, who has 212 yards and two touchdowns so far, becomes the focal point. Running back Christian McCaffrey could also see a bump in targets, especially in the screen‑pass game, which has been a reliable outlet when the passing attack is hampered.
Divisional Implications: Why This Game Matters
The Thursday night showdown isn’t just another regular‑season game; it’s a potential swing‑state in the NFC West race. A win would push the victor to 4‑1 and hand the loser a tough road in the second half of the schedule.
Analysts note that early‑season head‑to‑head games often set the tone for the division. In 2023, the Rams beat the 49ers in week 3 and went on to win the division, while San Francisco fell to third place.
Moreover, the short‑week format – with Thursday’s game sandwiched between a Sunday loss and a Saturday practice – tests depth. The 49ers’ ability to execute a game plan without their starting quarterback and two key receivers will be a litmus test for Shanahan’s coaching adaptability.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for San Francisco?
Assuming the 49ers survive Thursday, the next hurdle is a home game against the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 10. Purdy’s toe is still listed as “questionable,” and the medical staff says a full recovery could take another week or two.
If the toe remains problematic, the 49ers may have to keep Jones as starter for an extended stretch. That scenario could accelerate the development of the younger receiving corps but also increase the risk of offensive stagnation if defenses key in on McCaffrey and Samuel.
On the other hand, a victory against the Rams would bolster morale, give the coaching staff more leeway to experiment, and potentially sway the NFL’s narrative around the 49ers’ resilience.
In short, the Thursday night matchup is a crossroads. The 49ers have the talent to win, but they’re paying the price for injuries that have already cost other teams important games.
Key Facts
- Quarterback Brock Purdy ruled out with a recurring toe injury.
- Wide receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle/ribs) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) also out.
- Backup QB Mac Jones starts his third game, 66% completion, 563 yards, 4 TDs.
- Both 49ers and Rams enter the game 3‑1, fighting for NFC West lead.
- Game at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 2, Thursday night.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the 49ers' offense change without Purdy, Jennings, and Pearsall?
Shanahan said the game plan will lean on the run and short‑pass concepts. Deebo Samuel is expected to see more targets, and McCaffrey will be used heavily in screen passes to compensate for the missing deep threats.
Can Mac Jones sustain the 49ers' early‑season success?
Jones has posted a 66% completion rate and four touchdowns in two starts, showing poise. If the offensive line stays healthy, he can keep the offense moving, though his lack of experience against top‑tier pass rushes remains a risk.
What does this game mean for the NFC West standings?
A win would put the victor at 4‑1, creating a two‑game cushion over the third‑placed team. A loss drops a team to 3‑2, making the mid‑season stretch considerably tougher.
When is Brock Purdy expected back in the lineup?
The medical staff lists his toe as "questionable" for the upcoming home game against Seattle on Oct. 10. If the injury persists, he could miss additional weeks, forcing a longer run for Jones.
How are the Rams preparing for a 49ers team missing key players?
Rams offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi says the plan is to attack early and exploit the 49ers' reduced pass‑rush depth. Aaron Donald will pressure any quarterback, and the Rams intend to run the ball heavily to control the clock.