NFL quarterback could make unexpected return this weekend after big concern over shoulder issue

After missing the San Francisco 49ers last game, Brock Purdy could be in line to make his unexpected return to the lineup this Sunday, two weeks after suffering shoulder and toe injuries.

Purdy was expected to miss a few weeks with his ailments. However, comments from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has changed the trajectory for the franchise signal caller. 

The Mr. Irrelevant from the 2022 NFL Draft was limited at practice on Wednesday, with Shanahan saying he 'has a chance' to play against the Arizona Cardinals. 

Should Purdy not be able to go, it would likely be Mac Jones stepping in to be the start again. 

Jones completed 26 of his 39 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns during the 49ers' Week 2 victory over the New Orleans Saints. 

Even with the early-season importance of Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Shanahan is not likely to rush Purdy back onto the field if he is not at full strength.  

Purdy has been pegged as the team's quarterback of the future, which is why he was given a five-year contract extension in May. 

The lucrative deal is worth $265 million, with $181 million in guaranteed money, quite the investment from San Francisco. 

Shanahan knows getting the proper return on that contract is key to his job, with him not throwing Purdy into harm's way being a smart move. 

Both the Cardinals and 49ers are 2-0 and the winner of Sunday's game would have two divisional wins already in 2025. 

Shanahan will balance that prize with Purdy's long-term health, with 14 more games to play in the regular season past Sunday.