After a midseason stretch that tested their depth and resilience, the San Francisco 49ers head into their Week 14 bye with a 9-4 record and a renewed sense of momentum - thanks in large part to the return of starting quarterback Brock Purdy. And if there were any lingering questions about his health or readiness, the 49ers’ front office isn’t asking them anymore.
Speaking on KNBR radio Thursday, general manager John Lynch made it clear: Purdy is back, and the "training wheels" are off.
Purdy’s Return: No Restrictions, No Hesitation
“You want proof? Just look at the Cleveland game,” Lynch said, referring to San Francisco’s 26-8 win over the Browns on Nov.
- “Cold weather, first two plays - bootlegs.
That tells you everything you need to know.”
It’s a subtle but telling detail. Bootlegs require mobility, confidence in your footwork, and trust in your body.
Coming off a toe injury, that’s not the kind of play you call unless you’re confident your quarterback is ready to roll. And according to Lynch, Purdy didn’t just show it in practice - he proved it under live fire.
“For Brock, you’ve got to feel it yourself,” Lynch added, speaking from his own experience as a former player. “And early in that first game back, he showed us that he was good.”
A Steady Hand at the Helm
During Purdy’s absence, backup Mac Jones held the fort, going 5-3 and giving the 49ers a chance to stay in the playoff picture. But since Purdy’s return, the offense has found another gear.
Over the past three games, he’s completed 66.7% of his passes (58-of-87) for 561 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. Just two sacks taken in that stretch - a testament to both his pocket awareness and the line’s protection.
Those aren’t just solid numbers - they speak to a quarterback who’s managing the offense efficiently while still pushing the ball when needed. And perhaps more importantly, he’s playing with the kind of decisiveness that shows he’s not thinking about his toe anymore.
Health Concerns? Not Anymore
Lynch addressed the injury situation directly, saying Purdy’s toe has improved to the point where it’s no longer a factor - at least not in how the team approaches game day.
“I don’t want to speak for Brock - he probably still feels it - but he’s not thinking about it,” Lynch said. “It’s not affecting the way he’s playing anymore.
It’s certainly not affecting the way [head coach Kyle Shanahan] is calling it. So yeah, in our mind, he’s back.”
That’s a significant statement, especially considering how cautious teams can be with quarterbacks returning from injury. The 49ers aren’t just easing Purdy back into the mix - they’re giving him the keys to the offense and letting him drive.
Playoff Picture Coming Into Focus
At 9-4, the 49ers hold a wild-card spot in the NFC, but they’re still chasing both the 10-3 Rams and 10-3 Seahawks in a tightly contested NFC West. With three division losses already on their record, San Francisco’s path to the top of the division is narrow, but not impossible.
Next up: a Week 15 home matchup against the struggling 2-11 Tennessee Titans. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Niners are 12.5-point favorites - a reflection not just of the Titans’ record, but of how dangerous this San Francisco team looks with Purdy back in rhythm.
Final Word
The 49ers have weathered the storm, and now they’re heading into the most critical stretch of the season with their starting quarterback healthy, confident, and fully integrated into the offense. With the bye week to rest and reset, San Francisco is positioned to make a serious push - and if Brock Purdy keeps playing like this, they’ll be a tough out for anyone in the NFC.