It's been well over a month since quarterback Brock Purdy took the field for the San Francisco 49ers, and it's even more amazing to think the Niners' franchise signal-caller has played just two games this season after inking his lucrative $265 million extension last offseason.
Yet that's been his reality since suffering a turf-toe injury way back in Week 1, then aggravating it during Week 4 in what was only his second start of the year.
While Purdy's return to action has frustratingly been delayed again and again ever since, it finally appears to be coming to a close, according to general manager John Lynch.
Lynch joined KNBR 680's Murph & Markus Show on Thursday morning, and naturally, Purdy's status for San Francisco's Week 11 NFC West showdown at the Arizona Cardinals came into question. Unlike previous weeks when Lynch would say something along the lines of, "we'll see," the general manager's comments pointed directly to Purdy reclaiming the QB1 role.
John Lynch indicates Brock Purdy will get the start vs. Cardinals
Purdy hadn't been shelved on injured reserve despite his injury, and he'd even been a regular participant during weekly practices ahead of games, albeit usually in limited fashion.
A week ago, there seemed to be a chance the 49ers would list him as QB2 behind Mac Jones, who has started admirably in Purdy's stead, yet head coach Kyle Shanahan went the same route as previously, inactivating Purdy and giving third-stringer Adrian Martinez backup duties behind Jones.
That'll change now, though, per Lynch.
"We’re seeing how the week goes," the general manager told KNBR. "If he shows his health and his ability to perform at a level we know Brock can play at, then he’ll be out there."
This jives with previous reports on Purdy likely suiting up to play against the Cardinals within the state where he grew up. And considering Arizona's own banged-up roster affords an easier challenge than what Jones and Co. faced against an elite Los Angeles Rams defense last Sunday, it certainly makes sense on that front to ease Purdy back in.
With the Niners looking to avoid back-to-back NFC West losses this Sunday, Purdy's availability certainly will garner plenty of attention as he looks to reclaim his job under center.