The San Francisco 49ers have some explaining to do when it comes to how they’ve handled Brock Purdy’s injury.

Purdy suffered a turf toe injury in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. After sitting out for two games, he returned in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and suffered a setback. It was serious enough that we haven’t seen him on the field since then. Luckily for the 49ers, they’ve received efficient quarterback play from Mac Jones.

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In seven starts this season, Jones is completing 67.2% of his passes for 1,832 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. The 49ers are 5-2 when he’s their starting quarterback.

On Sunday afternoon, Jones will get the start against the Los Angeles Rams. Interestingly enough, Purdy wasn’t initially ruled out for this NFC West showdown. The 49ers listed him as questionable, which means he’d have a chance at being the backup quarterback.

If Purdy isn’t healthy enough to start, why would the 49ers feel comfortable letting him be the backup? After all, he’d be one play away from entering the game.

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Since the 49ers are handling this situation in such an odd manner, NFL fans are wondering if Purdy has been quietly benched for Jones.

Is there a QB controversy?

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky is convinced the 49ers have a real quarterback controversy on their hands with Jones and Purdy.

“There is a brewing quarterback controversy, competition, whatever you want in San Francisco,” Orlovsky said. “Brock Purdy is a really good player. Mac Jones has been absolutely sensational in his time. Doing it with people that have been beat up. Stars and perimeter players that haven’t been healthy. He’s been knocked around. Yet this team is somehow, even with all those injuries, is still in the playoff race and it’s because of the quarterback play. There’s a quarterback controversy brewing in San Francisco.”

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49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan swears that Purdy will be his starter once he’s cleared for action. He told reporters, “This is Brock’s team and if Brock’s good to go and everything and can play like Brock, there’s no decision to be made.”

Actions speak louder than words, and right now the 49ers aren’t showing a ton of conviction with their decisions.

This story was originally reported by The Spun on Nov 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.