The San Francisco 49ers are in a difficult position going into their Thursday Night Football clash with the Los Angeles Rams, with quarterback Brock Purdy a doubt as he continues to battle a toe issue.
Purdy missed the 49ers' wins in Week 2 and Week 3 with a turf toe injury he sustained in the season-opening victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
He returned last Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars but was intercepted twice while throwing for 309 yards and two touchdowns in what was at best an uneven display, Purdy completing just 57.9 percent of his passes.
Purdy then missed practice on Tuesday after reporting soreness in his toe, putting his participation against the 3-1 Rams on a short week in question.
Should Purdy miss out, then the 49ers will again turn to backup Mac Jones to run the offense in his stead.
Jones was himself on the injury report last week with a knee issue but was listed as a full participant in practice. While Purdy has not been ruled out, Jones appears likely to be the starter at SoFi Stadium, and believes he will be facing the league's premier defense in primetime.
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Jones pays Rams huge compliment
The Rams have one of the top defensive fronts in football, Los Angeles doing an excellent job to fill the void left by Aaron Donald's retirement after the 2023 season.
Los Angeles' defense already has 14 sacks on the season, tied for the second-most in the NFL, but Jones believes there are other factors that make that group so formidable.
"They’re really good. They’re, in my opinion, the number one defense in the NFL after watching them," Jones told a press conference on Tuesday.
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"I know statistically they’re pretty high, but I’ve really been impressed with them. So, it’s going to be a huge challenge. They do a lot of good stuff.
"Just the way they play, their mindset. There’s always 11 guys on the screen and they have a great defensive line.
"They play a lot of different schemes. They do a lot of stuff but do it well. So, it’s going to be a challenge. I’ve been impressed with them. So can’t wait to go against them."
Jones may have to face the Rams without top receiver Ricky Pearsall, who is dealing with what is believed to be a minor knee injury. Wideout Jauan Jennings is battling ankle and rib issues, while the 49ers remain without tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee).
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