San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Brock Purdy's toe injury is "subtly getting better", though the quarterback could again only practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday.
Purdy has missed the last three games after initially returning from turf toe in Week 4 in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars that saw him produce an error-strewn performance in defeat.
In his absence, backup Mac Jones has led the 49ers to two more wins, improving his record as a starter with San Francisco to 4-1 with a 20-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday.
And with Purdy again unable to practice in full, the arrows are pointing to Jones being under center own more when the 49ers go on the road to face the Houston Texans in Week 8.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Shanahan, though, made it clear Purdy is on track with his recovery.
Purdy's subtle progress
Speaking in a press conference on Wednesday, Shanahan said: "It's different dealing with a toe, but I'd say it's subtly getting better each week."
Shanahan was also asked if wide receiver Ricky Pearsall had sustained a setback in his recovery from a PCL injury.
MORE: NFL Game Pass in UK: Price and more to know to watch every football game in 2025 season live on DAZN
Pearsall had made a superb start to his second season with 327 receiving yards through four games, but has not played since sustaining his injury against the Jaguars.
Shanahan conceded his progress has been slow, saying: "I don't think it's a setback.
"It's just not going as fast as we want it. But nothing new has happened."
More NFL news:
- AFC Trade Deadline: One position and player each team should be targeting
- The "B" word inexplicably being used when it comes to Cam Ward
- Ravens' season-saving plan a rather simple one for Zay Flowers
- Buccaneers tumble in power rankings after Lions loss
- Why it makes sense for the Cowboys to swap elite edge rushers