Brock Purdy Mania: 5 Reasons the 49ers’ “Mr. Irrelevant” Is the NFL’s Hottest QB Story

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is suddenly in doubt for Sunday’s Week 2 clash against the New Orleans Saints after suffering a painful toe injury and a sore left shoulder in the season-opening win at Seattle. Head coach Kyle Shanahan called his franchise passer “a long shot” to suit up, noting that damage between Purdy’s big and second toe has sapped his mobility and could sideline him for multiple weeks. The setback thrusts offseason addition Mac Jones into the starter’s role. The former Patriots first-round pick signed a two-year deal with San Francisco after a rocky stint in Jacksonville and now inherits an offense already missing tight end George Kittle (hamstring, IR) and dealing with injuries to Christian McCaffrey (calf) and Jauan Jennings (shoulder). Shanahan praised Jones’ pocket command, “toughness” and quick decision-making while acknowledging the unit faces “a huge challenge” on the road. Purdy, 26-of-35 for 277 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1, gutted through the toe ailment after being tackled near the sideline by Seahawks safety Julian Love. The 2022 “Mr. Irrelevant” inked a five-year, $265 million extension in May and is coming off a Super Bowl appearance two seasons ago, heightening the urgency for a swift recovery. Team doctors will re-evaluate swelling and range of motion Friday; an injured-reserve stint remains possible if soreness lingers past the Saints game. Fantasy football managers should stash Purdy on IR where available and consider Jones a short-term streaming option, though New Orleans sports a top-five pass defense dating to last season. Expect an uptick in quick-game concepts featuring Deebo Samuel and screen looks for McCaffrey—if the All-Pro back is cleared after his veteran rest day. For the 49ers, maintaining early-season momentum hinges on Jones protecting the ball and coordinator Steve Wilks’ defense containing Saints play-makers Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara. Should Purdy miss more than two games, San Francisco’s brutal upcoming stretch—Cardinals, Jaguars, and Cowboys—could reshape the NFC playoff picture. Key takeaways • Brock Purdy listed as “long shot” for Week 2; toe injury considered more serious than shoulder. • Mac Jones expected to start; 49ers already without George Kittle. • Purdy’s timetable reportedly two-to-five weeks; IR decision possible this weekend. • Fantasy impact: bench Purdy, stream Jones cautiously, boost target share for Samuel and McCaffrey. With Purdy’s breakout story briefly on pause, all eyes shift to Jones and whether he can keep the Super Bowl window from closing while the 49ers’ franchise quarterback heals.