The San Francisco 49ers are 6-3 through the first part of the season, an average record, but the team has battled multiple injuries across the roster. San Francisco is without key defensive stars like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Mykel Williams for the season, alongside missing QB Brock Purdy due to his re-aggravated turf toe injury. Recently, 49ers GM John Lynch shared some major updates about the various injured players, including Purdy.

Addressing the QB’s recovery on the Bay Area radio station KNBR’s M&M show, Lynch revealed that Purdy is recovering well as the medical staff is gradually increasing his workload.

“He’s out there on the practice field, and we try to keep giving him a little more, and he’s making good progress,” the 49ers GM said.

The former Iowa State QB suffered a turf toe injury in the 49ers’ Week 1 clash against the Seattle Seahawks, which kept him out until Week 4. Facing the Jacksonville Jaguars, Purdy exacerbated the same injury, leaving him out of action. Replacing the 25-year-old QB, veteran Mac Jones has stepped up brilliantly as an injury replacement. The former Patriots quarterback has recorded 1,832 yards, 10 TDs with a 67.2% completion rate.

With Jones at the helm, the San Francisco 49ers are still in the reckoning for a playoff spot as they sit third in the NFC West division behind the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks. San Francisco has a robust defense, which ranks well with 20.9 points allowed per game. But the Niners’ offense numbers aren’t the same, which could change with a possible return of WR Brandon Aiyuk.

Lynch shares an update on Brandon Aiyuk

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee, sustained during Week 7 of the 2024 season. He hasn’t been permitted to practice since then. Aiyuk has been a vital cog in the San Francisco offense. He previously had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023 before playing only seven games last year.

Speaking about the former Arizona State receiver on KNBR, John Lynch reiterated the severity of his injury before sharing that Aiyuk is on track with his recovery.

“It’s a long, long process, and you have to hit all the markers. It’s come along well. We’re getting close to opening up that window, and we look forward to the time,” The 49ers GM shared. “We’re a better football team when he’s out there. He’s a really good football player. And so, we look forward to when that day comes.”

As key players near return from injuries, San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan has to hold the fort and ensure his team remains in the playoff hunt. This would ensure that the 2025-26 season doesn’t end like their previous year, where they settled for a bottom finish on the table.