After missing time with a turf-toe injury, Brock Purdy is trending toward returning as the 49ers’ starting quarterback in Week 9. Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters there’s “guarded optimism” that Purdy will be ready, and he has already resumed limited practices.
Before going down, Purdy was off to another efficient start in 2025 — averaging 293 passing yards and 2 TDs per game, with a 68.4 % completion rate and 7.9 yards per attempt. The 49ers offense averaged 27.5 points per game through his four starts.
When Purdy plays, San Francisco’s offense is among the league’s most balanced and efficient — ranking top-five in EPA per play, red-zone TD rate, and yards after catch per completion. His return stabilizes a unit that sputtered under Mac Jones.
What changes with Purdy under center?
Scheme & Usage
Shanahan’s offense thrives on timing, play-action, and YAC (yards after catch). In 2024, Purdy ranked:
- 2nd in YAC per completion (6.6)
- 3rd in completion rate (69.5 %)
- Top-10 in QB rating (104.7)
That rhythm passing re-opens crossers and seams that make George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, and Christian McCaffrey so dangerous. Expect a heavy mix of RPOs, play-action bootlegs, and quick-release reads designed to neutralize pressure while protecting Purdy’s footwork.
Stability vs. volatility:
Under Purdy in 2024, the 49ers averaged 30.1 points per game; without him (Weeks 10-12 with backups), they averaged just 17.8. Even if his mobility is slightly limited, the floor of the offense rises dramatically with his accuracy and anticipation.
Player-by-player fantasy impact
George Kittle — TE1 With Renewed Ceiling (↑)
- 2024 stats: 94 targets, 78 receptions, 1,106 yards, 8 TDs (TE3 overall).
- With Purdy: Averaged 5.2 rec / 73.5 yards / 0.6 TD per game.
- Without Purdy: Averaged 3.4 rec / 39.8 yards.
Why it matters: Purdy’s accuracy over the middle boosts Kittle’s explosive YAC plays — six of Kittle’s eight touchdowns last year came from Purdy passes. Expect that connection to reignite.
Fantasy takeaway: Top-5 TE rest of season with week-winning potential.
Jauan Jennings — Target Volume-Driven FLEX (↔ / ↑)
- 2024 stretch (Weeks 10-17): 77 receptions for 975 yards and 6 TDs — WR24 overall.
- With Purdy: Averaged 8.1 targets / 73 yards.
Why it matters: Purdy trusts Jennings on third-downs and in contested-catch spots. In the last six games with Purdy in 2024, Jennings led the team in targets (51) and first-down receptions (27).
Fantasy takeaway: WR3/FLEX in full-PPR leagues. Volume keeps his floor steady, though TDs will dictate ceiling.
Ricky Pearsall — Emerging WR3 / High-Upside FLEX (↑)
- 2025 (Weeks 1-4): 30 targets → 20 receptions for 327 yards (16.3 YPC).
- Average depth of target (aDOT): 11.8 yards — fits perfectly with Purdy’s intermediate rhythm throws.
Why it matters: Purdy’s ability to hit in-breaking routes allows Pearsall to maximize YAC. In early-season games with Purdy, Pearsall posted 100+ yards twice (108 in Week 1, 117 in Week 3).
Fantasy takeaway: Reliable WR3/FLEX; efficiency should remain strong with Purdy back.
Christian McCaffrey — Elite RB1, Ceiling Restored (↑)
- 2025 season to date: 1,072 total yards and 8 TDs through 8 weeks.
- Targets with Purdy: 10.0 per game.
- Targets without Purdy: 6.4 per game.
Why it matters: Purdy’s return revives screen and check-down volume — CMC’s primary PPR weapon. With sustained drives and better red-zone execution, touchdown opportunities also rebound.
Fantasy takeaway: Locked-in Top-3 RB every week; expect 20-25 touches and elite reception totals.
Is Purdy startable himself?
1-QB leagues: Matchup-dependent QB1 fringe/strong streamer if active; minor volatility tied to the toe. Averaged 293 yards & 2 TDs per game before injury (19.1 FPPG)
Superflex/2-QB: Auto-start QB2 when active—high completion rate, YAC ecosystem, strong red-zone design.
Dynasty: Hold/Buy. Contract security, scheme fit, and surrounding talent support sustained value once he’s fully past the toe.
Week 9 Start/Sit Snapshot
- Brock Purdy: Start in Superflex; stream in 1-QB if cleared.
- George Kittle: Top-5 TE; start with confidence.
- Ricky Pearsall: WR3 / high-end FLEX.
- Jauan Jennings: PPR WR3; volume-based FLEX.
- Christian McCaffrey: Set-and-forget Top-3 RB.
The Bottom Line
Purdy’s return brings San Francisco’s offense back to rhythm, efficiency, and YAC dominance. Expect production rebounds across the board — Kittle regains elite TE1 form, CMC returns to his weekly 20-point floor, Pearsall becomes a reliable WR3, and Jennings re-emerges as a volume-driven FLEX.
For fantasy managers, Purdy is a must-start in Superflex and a strong streaming option in traditional leagues.
If he’s active, the 49ers’ offense — and your fantasy lineup — should feel whole again.
