Brock Purdy could return as soon as Week 3 (but there's a crucial catch)

So far, the San Francisco 49ers have successfully navigated the latest injury setback to quarterback Brock Purdy, using backup quarterback Mac Jones to help engineer a 26-21 road victory over the New Orleans Saints while Purdy was sidelined with turf toe.

Originally, the thinking behind Purdy's injury was he'd miss anywhere from two to five weeks, at least as was reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport after QB1 suffered toe and shoulder issues in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.

However, after missing just one game, Purdy was able to partake in practice leading up to the Niners' Week 3 home game against the Arizona Cardinals, albeit in limited fashion.

It's a good sign for head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. While Jones was more than just effective, Purdy remains the superior signal-caller, and San Francisco is in no business to foster a quarterback controversy after dishing out a $265 million extension to the latter earlier during the offseason.

So, is Purdy playing in Week 3?

John Lynch elaborates on Brock Purdy's availability for 49ers in Week 3

Speaking to KNBR 680 on Thursday prior to the 49ers' home opener, general manager John Lynch was asked about Purdy returning to practice and whether or not the signal-caller would be able to play on Sunday.

The response was guarded but good.

"I can tell you that it was encouraging to see him practice," Lynch said. "He was limited yesterday, meaning he got out there and he had some activity. I think everyone saw that. The key now is how does he respond to that? So, we'll find that out here later today and see if he can get back out there."

Lynch also clarified that Purdy is the clear-cut starter and won't be thwarted from that role regardless how well Jones performed (and may continue to perform).

As far as Purdy's status for Sunday, Lynch continued by saying, "We'll make an organizational decision on where Brock's at later in the week."

Also part of the equation -- the "catch," if you will -- is the possibility the Niners start Jones against Arizona with Adrian Martinez as the primary backup. Purdy, still recovering, remains inactive but suits up as the emergency quarterback, aligning with the recent NFL rule that ironically Purdy helped foster after his elbow injury during the 2023 playoffs.

When asked if that could be the case for San Francisco's home opener, Lynch left the door open.

"You could see that," Lynch said.

There'll be a clearer picture on Friday after practice when Shanahan announces the final injury report ahead of Sunday's contest versus the Cardinals.

If Purdy is listed as anything but out, one might expect him to at least suit up, even if he doesn't necessarily start.