When Brock Purdy, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, was ruled out for Thursday Night Football on October 2, 2025, fans and analysts alike felt a collective sigh. The decision, confirmed by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network on his X account, means the 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams without their starter for the first time this season. The Thursday Night FootballSoFi Stadium in Inglewood turns into a test of depth, especially after a string of injuries that have already thinned the 49ers’ offensive arsenal.

Injury Timeline and Current Status

Purdy’s woes began in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, when a hard‑hit collision left him with a bruised shoulder and a sprained toe. Those injuries lingered, forcing him to miss Weeks 2 and 3, and when he finally returned on September 28 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars his shoulder flared up again. The follow‑up exam revealed lingering soreness, and the team’s medical staff ultimately placed him on the inactive list for the Rams showdown.

Here’s the thing: the 49ers also shuffled their roster for the same game. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings is out with an ankle and rib issue, rookie WR Ricky Pearsall is nursing a knee strain, and backup WR Jordan Watkins hurt his calf. Even defensive end Robert Beal won’t suit up because of an ankle sprain. The cumulative effect is a shaved‑down offensive lineup that looks a lot thinner than the one that dazzled in Week 1.

Mac Jones Steps Into the Spotlight

With Purdy sidelined, backup quarterback Mac Jones is once again slated to start. Jones’ two‑game stint in Weeks 2 and 3 was surprisingly productive: he threw for 563 yards, completed 53 of 80 passes, logged four touchdowns and just one interception, and steered San Francisco to a 2‑0 record. “We’ve got confidence in the guys in front of us,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said in a post‑game press conference. “Mac has shown poise, and the offensive line has given him time. We just have to keep executing.”

The twist is that the Rams’ defense has improved markedly since the season opened, ranking third in the NFC in sacks. If Jones wants to keep the 49ers afloat, he’ll need to protect the ball and make quick reads—no luxury of deep routes when Jennings and Pearsall are on the sideline.

Other Offensive Woes

All‑Pro tight end George Kittle is already on injured reserve after a hamstring pull in Week 1, making his return unlikely before mid‑season. That leaves a void at the second‑down spot that the 49ers have struggled to fill.

Despite his knee complaint, Ricky Pearsall still led the team in receiving yards with 327 on 20 catches. He’s a double‑digit threat, yet the Rams’ secondary will surely test his limits. Jauan Jennings, limited to nine receptions for 129 yards and a single touchdown so far, will miss the next two weeks, further shrinking the target pool for any quarterback.

• Pur​dy’s shoulder injury dates back to Sep 7 (Week 1 vs Seahawks).
• Mac Jones: 563 passing yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT in Weeks 2‑3.
• Ricky Pearsall: 327 yards, 20 receptions despite knee strain.
• George Kittle on IR with hamstring injury (Week 1).
• Los Angeles Rams rank 3rd in NFC sacks (as of Oct 1).

Impact on Thursday Night Football

With the 49ers missing multiple offensive weapons, the matchup against the Rams could tilt heavily in Los Angeles’ favor. The Rams, who beat the 49ers 21‑17 in a rain‑soaked showdown last season, now have a chance to exploit San Francisco’s depleted receiving corps.

Oddly enough, the weather forecast calls for a clear, mild night—perfect conditions for the Rams’ passing attack. If the 49ers can lean on their running game, led by veteran running back Christian McCaffrey, they might keep the deficit manageable. McCaffrey averaged 74 rushing yards per game before the injuries and has logged 12 receptions for 98 yards in the first three weeks, showing he can be a dual‑threat.

What’s Next for the 49ers?

The next few weeks will be a make‑or‑break period for San Francisco. The team’s medical staff hopes Purdy’s shoulder will clear by Week 7, but a return to form is never guaranteed after a lingering injury. In the meantime, Shanahan is expected to lean on the running game and short‑route passing concepts that don’t require deep cuts.

Meanwhile, the front office might look to the trade market for a veteran receiver to patch the depth chart. Rumors swirl around a possible late‑season acquisition of veteran WR Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco Bears, but salary‑cap constraints make the move uncertain.

In short, the 49ers face a steep hill on Thursday night, but they’ve weathered worse before. If the backup unit can stay disciplined and McCaffrey can keep the chains moving, San Francisco might still keep the NFC West race alive.