5 QBs Kyle Shanahan Can Sign After 49ers Shared Brock Purdy Injury Update

The injury curse has struck the 49ers once again. Despite escaping Week 1 with a win over the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Kyle Shanahan shared troubling news: starting quarterback Brock Purdy sustained injuries to his left shoulder and toe during the game. While the shoulder issue affects his non-throwing arm, the toe injury is more concerning and could sideline him, leaving San Francisco’s quarterback depth dangerously thin.

“Coach Kyle Shanahan said the toe is worse than the shoulder and his status will be determined later in the week,” NFL insider Ian Rapoport said. Fortunately for Shanahan, backup Mac Jones is available, though he has dealt with health concerns in recent months. If Purdy is unable to suit up for Week 2, the 49ers may need to act quickly and explore short-term reinforcements.

There are five potential quarterback options that could be considered to help maintain the team’s momentum while Purdy recovers. Let’s take a look at who could emerge as Kyle Shanahan’s choice, and how each option might realistically fit into the 49ers’ system.

Tyler Huntley: The 27-year-old was signed by the Browns earlier in August but was released on August 24. Shortly after, he rejoined the Baltimore Ravens and is currently on their practice squad as a third-string quarterback. Huntley has been in the league for nearly five years and even earned a Pro Bowl selection during his time with Baltimore. He is a mobile, 6-foot-1 quarterback with a 64.6% career completion rate and 2,786 passing yards, including his stint with the Dolphins in 2024.

He could be a short-term solution for the 49ers while Brock Purdy recovers, but only if the Ravens allow him to leave. Under NFL rules, teams like the Steelers can sign Huntley from the Ravens’ practice squad, but only to their active 53-man roster.

Jameis Winston: Winston is currently the third-string quarterback for the Giants, behind Russell Wilson and rookie Jaxson Dart. He competed for the QB2 spot during training camp but ultimately lost out to Dart. Despite that, Winston brings valuable experience to the table, with 154 career passing touchdowns and over 24,225 passing yards. In the past four seasons (2021-2024), Winston has thrown a total of 33 passing touchdowns. And during the 2025 preseason, he threw for 219 yards and 2 touchdowns across three games.

If the 49ers are looking for a dependable veteran while Brock Purdy recovers, Winston could be a smart pickup.

Taylor Heinicke: Heinicke is a potential fit for the 49ers. He’s played for the Texans, Commanders, Falcons, and most recently the Chargers, who released him on August 27, 2025. With 39 career touchdowns and over 6,663 passing yards, he is among the more experienced free-agent quarterbacks. Over the last four seasons (2021-2024), he has thrown 37 touchdowns, though his 2024 production dipped, appearing in just four games and attempting five passes while backing up Justin Herbert.

Desmond Ridder: The 26-year-old joined the Cincinnati Bengals in late July 2025, aiming to earn a backup role behind Joe Burrow. He competed through training camp and preseason, even starting the final exhibition game against the Colts, where he went 8-of-20 for 75 yards and an interception. Despite his efforts, Ridder was released on August 26, 2025, as part of the Bengals’ final roster cuts. Stuck behind Burrow and Jake Browning on the depth chart, Ridder couldn’t secure a spot on the 53-man roster.

Tim Boyle: He is also an emergency option. Undrafted in 2018, he has spent time with the Packers, Lions, Bears, Jets, Dolphins, Giants, and most recently the Titans, who waived him on August 11, 2025, after a poor preseason showing. In a 29-7 loss to the Buccaneers, he went 4-of-13 for 24 yards, threw two interceptions, and posted a 0.6 passer rating. Despite experience across multiple systems, Boyle’s production has been limited, with just 5 career touchdowns and 1,210 passing yards. While the 30-year-old could be available for spot duty, teams are unlikely to trade depth quarterbacks now, making Kyle Shanahan’s search even tougher.

After roster cuts, the 49ers reshuffled their quarterback room and currently lack a clear QB3. With Adrian Martinez on the practice squad after a stint with the Jets, they may still seek outside help. Now, Purdy isn’t the only concern for the 49ers.

49ers George Kittle also deals with a hamstring injury

George Kittle left in the first half of the Week 1 game due to his hamstring injury and never returned. Shanahan informed the reporters that Kittle is expected to miss a few weeks. Now, as per Ian Rapoport, the recovery timeline is three to five weeks, which puts him in danger of landing on injured reserve.

If that happens, he would be sidelined for at least four games, making Week 5 against the Rams on October 2 his earliest possible return. That leaves the 49ers with a depth problem at tight end. With Kittle out, Luke Farrell could step in as the starter. Farrell has primarily been used as a blocker throughout his career, tallying just 37 receptions in five seasons.

Jake Tonges showed a bit more spark, catching three passes for 15 yards. In Kittle’s absence, he could see an expanded role. The only other option is Brayden Willis, who currently sits on the practice squad. While Shanahan saw hope with the return of Jauan Jennings, he has to deal with two more injuries. The 49ers are in a tough situation and will need to find answers quickly.