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Brock Purdy will return as the San Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback in Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals after missing six weeks with a turf toe injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has cleared Purdy to play but acknowledged the injury will not be fully healed this NFL season.
Shanahan noted that Purdy has reached a point where the issue is no longer significantly limiting his performance on the field. The circumstances surrounding his return have created additional scrutiny beyond the physical recovery.
FS1 analyst Chris Broussard recently highlighted the pressure Purdy faces as he steps back into the starting role with expectations at an elevated level.
“All kidding aside, a lot. We know the contract. $265 million, no trade clause. His position, that’s not the pressure. But if he goes out there and doesn’t play well, because Mac has played well,” Broussard said on First Things First, adding, “I think with Brock, until he either wins the Super Bowl or I don’t even think he’s going to win an MVP award, but say he won an MVP award, there’s gonna always be doubts about him to a certain degree.”
.@Chris_Broussard says Brock Purdy is under A LOT of pressure going into Week 11:
“Until he wins the Super Bowl… there’s gonna always be doubts about him to a certain degree.” pic.twitter.com/nQsamabq1X
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) November 14, 2025
Mac Jones has kept the offense functioning at a high level during Purdy’s absence despite dealing with injuries to key players. His steady play has set a benchmark that Purdy must now meet or exceed upon his return.
The Week 4 performance against Jacksonville cannot be repeated, and both Purdy and the organization understand the injury will not excuse inconsistent play moving forward. Struggles with accuracy, decision-making, or turnovers in a loss would invite immediate criticism.
Even a victory accompanied by underwhelming numbers would generate questions about his effectiveness. A strong outing against Arizona will not eliminate the pressure, as Purdy still faces upcoming matchups against the Carolina Panthers and the Cleveland Browns.
He struggled against Cleveland during the 2023 season, making that game particularly important for his narrative. Multiple consistent performances will be required before external expectations begin to ease, given the standard Jones has established.
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