By Robert Marvi

Copyright newsweek

The 4-1 San Francisco 49ers will face a stiff test this Sunday when they visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers are also 4-1 and have one of the NFL’s most potent passing offenses, and quarterback Baker Mayfield is playing as well as any signal-caller in the league right now.

The 49ers’ starting quarterback, Brock Purdy, has missed three games so far this season due to a toe ailment. It was hoped he would be ready to return to game action this weekend, but his chances of doing so are now looking bleak.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Purdy missed practice on Thursday, which means it is unlikely he will be cleared to play this Sunday.

49ers QB Brock Purdy also not practicing today due to his toe injury, putting Mac Jones on track to start Sunday at Tampa.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 9, 2025

“49ers QB Brock Purdy also not practicing today due to his toe injury, putting Mac Jones on track to start Sunday at Tampa,” Schefter wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Read more: 49ers Receive Huge Injury Update Before Facing Buccaneers

In his two games this year, Purdy has looked a bit shaky, although he did lead the game-winning drive against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. Mac Jones, a former first-round draft pick in 2021, has filled in very well for Purdy, and he came into Thursday leading everyone in pass attempts and pass completions per game.

SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 28: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers passes as Trent Williams #71 blocks during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. The Jaguars defeated the 49ers 26-21. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

It’s no secret that the Niners are banged up right now. Star defensive end Nick Bosa is out for the season with a torn ACL, tight end George Kittle will miss at least one more game due to a hamstring injury, and wide receivers Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk have all missed time.

Jennings, who has missed two of the team’s last three games, was at practice on Thursday, but Pearsall, who was out of action last week, didn’t fully participate.

The Niners have been winning games with defense and clutch plays while they have been waiting for key players to get healthier. Last Thursday against the Los Angeles Rams, it was rookie defensive lineman Alfred Collins who knocked the ball loose from running back Kyren Williams just before he could reach the goal line late in the fourth quarter. Collins recovered the football right afterward, and his play allowed San Francisco to force overtime, where it prevailed by three points.

Read more: Colin Cowherd Makes Bold Statement About 49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan

The 49ers will return home next week and host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 19, before going back on the road to face the Houston Texans and New York Giants.

For more on the 49ers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.