Brock Purdy’s Injury Status Raises Questions for 49ers in Week 2
Brock Purdy’s injury status has cast a shadow over the San Francisco 49ers as they prepare for their Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Following the team’s season-opening victory, reports surfaced that Purdy is dealing with injuries to his left shoulder and a toe, leading to uncertainty regarding his availability for Sunday’s game.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter highlighted the concern: “Brock Purdy has a left shoulder and toe injury that make him uncertain for Sunday’s game in New Orleans. Kyle Shanahan said the team will see how the practice week goes.” For those invested in the 49ers through fantasy football, this news has prompted a flurry of questions about potential replacements.
Backup Plans: Mac Jones Steps In
In the event that Purdy is unable to play, the 49ers will turn to Mac Jones, their backup quarterback. This scenario is particularly intriguing given the history between Jones and head coach Kyle Shanahan. During the 2021 NFL Draft, Shanahan had his sights set on two quarterbacks: Trey Lance and Mac Jones. Ultimately, the 49ers selected Lance with the second overall pick, a decision that has since been met with mixed reviews.
Reflecting on the past, Shanahan acknowledged his interest in both quarterbacks during a podcast in 2022, stating, “We did the trade so early that it made me feel good about it. I knew before we did it how I felt about the quarterbacks and how good we would be to take them at 12. There were two that I really wanted… Mac Jones and Trey [Lance]. Those were the two guys that we were locked in on from the beginning.” Fast forward to now, and Jones has signed with the 49ers after previous stints in New England and Jacksonville, poised to take the helm if needed.
Fantasy Football Implications of Purdy’s Injury
For fantasy football enthusiasts, the potential absence of Purdy prompts a need for contingency plans. If you’re relying on Purdy as your starting quarterback and lack a viable backup, several options are available on waivers in many ESPN leagues:
Trevor Lawrence: With a strong long-term outlook for this season, he’s the top pick for many.
Michael Penix Jr.
Aaron Rodgers
Daniel Jones
Among these, Lawrence stands out as the most promising acquisition, given his established potential.
Impact on Christian McCaffrey’s Role
As for Christian McCaffrey, his status as a must-start player remains unchanged if Purdy is sidelined. Healthy and in form, McCaffrey is a focal point in the 49ers’ offense, regardless of the quarterback situation. While the team may lean more heavily on him if Purdy is out, they understand the necessity of managing their superstar running back’s workload.
Ricky Pearsall’s Fantasy Outlook
In the wake of Purdy’s uncertain status, some may consider benching Ricky Pearsall, but holding off on that decision may be wise. The New Orleans Saints have shown vulnerabilities in their defense, as evidenced by Marvin Harrison Jr.’s success against them in Week 1. Additionally, Jones has a history of connecting well with his top receivers, which could bode well for Pearsall’s performance.
With the 49ers facing a pivotal moment, all eyes will be on Purdy’s recovery and the potential impact on the team’s offensive strategy as they gear up to face the Saints. The evolving quarterback situation not only raises stakes for the team but also for fantasy football managers navigating this unexpected turn of events.
