The Quick Answer: Yes, Brock Purdy Is Playing
If you're looking for the short version, here it is: Brock Purdy is playing this week. The San Francisco 49ers are officially slated to face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round. The game is set for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT).
Despite a physical, "brutal" Wild Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles just a few days ago, Purdy has emerged relatively unscathed. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that while the team is dealing with some massive injury blows elsewhere—most notably losing star tight end George Kittle to a season-ending Achilles tear—the quarterback position is stable. Purdy is the guy.
Why Is Everyone Asking If Brock Purdy Is Playing?
It’s honestly been a bit of a rollercoaster for Niners fans lately.
Just two weeks ago, during the regular-season finale against Seattle, Purdy took a nasty hit on the final offensive play. He stayed down. The stadium went silent. We later found out it was a left shoulder stinger and a bloody thumb.
Then came the Wild Card game against Philly.
Purdy didn’t have his "cleanest" game, throwing two interceptions to Quinyon Mitchell, but he came through when it mattered. He led a 4-yard touchdown drive to Christian McCaffrey late in the fourth quarter to seal a 23-19 victory. Because that game was so physical, and because the 49ers now have to travel to Seattle on a short week, rumors started swirling about whether he’d be rested or if he was secretly "banged up."
Basically, he’s fine. He’s starting. But the context around him has changed drastically.
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The Rest Disadvantage
Here is the real problem for San Francisco. While the 49ers were battling in the mud in Philadelphia on Sunday, the Seahawks were at home on their couches. As the No. 1 seed, Seattle had a first-round bye.
So, is Brock Purdy playing this week? Yes. Is he playing at 100% capacity with a full week of prep? Not even close.
The 49ers are playing on Saturday. That gives them only five days to recover from a cross-country flight and a playoff-intensity game. David Lombardi, a prominent Niners beat writer, called this the "absolute hardest path possible."
What the Injury Report Actually Says
Usually, by Wednesday, we get a clear look at the practice participation.
Purdy was a full participant in the early week walkthroughs. He isn't even listed with a "Questionable" tag for the shoulder stinger that worried everyone after Week 18. Honestly, the thumb looks like a non-issue now, too.
However, the team around him is a bit of a mess:
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- George Kittle: Out (Season-ending Achilles surgery).
- Tatum Bethune: Out (Season-ending groin injury).
- Fred Warner: His status is the big "maybe." He’s been limited in practice with an ankle issue, and while Shanahan is "hopeful," nothing is set in stone.
Without Kittle, Purdy loses his most reliable safety valve. You’ve probably seen the stats: Purdy’s passer rating takes a noticeable dip when Kittle isn't on the field to attract double teams or crush defensive ends in the run game.
The "Seattle Hex" and What to Expect
Let's talk about the matchup.
The last time these two teams met (January 3rd), the 49ers lost 13-3. It was ugly. Purdy was held to just 127 yards and zero touchdowns. The Seahawks' crowd at Lumen Field is notoriously loud, and their secondary has figured out how to bait Purdy into those "floater" passes that occasionally get him into trouble.
But this isn't the regular season.
Purdy has a weird way of rebounding after bad performances. Look at the Philly game—he threw two picks and still managed to orchestrate a game-winning drive. He’s currently sitting at a 96 OVR in some circles (like the latest Madden ratings revealed this week), which reflects how the league sees him: a top-tier distributor who can "drop it in a bucket," as Shanahan puts it.
Strategic Shifts
Expect the 49ers to lean heavily on Jauan Jennings and Christian McCaffrey.
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Jennings has basically become the de facto "big target" with Kittle gone. In the Wild Card round, Jennings actually threw a touchdown pass to McCaffrey on a trick play. That’s the kind of creativity the Niners need because Purdy is going to be under fire from a rested Seattle pass rush.
Why You Should Watch (Even If You Aren't a Niners Fan)
This game is more than just "is Brock Purdy playing this week." It’s a legacy game.
If Purdy wins this, he takes a No. 6 seed into the NFC Championship game after winning two road playoff games in six days. That is legendary stuff. If he loses, the "system quarterback" talk will probably start up again because he couldn't get it done without his All-Pro tight end.
The oddsmakers aren't doing San Francisco any favors. Being the road team on a short week against a No. 1 seed is a statistical nightmare. But if you’ve followed Purdy’s career since he was "Mr. Irrelevant," you know he thrives when people count him out.
What You Should Do Now
If you're a bettor or a fantasy player looking at playoff challenges, here is the move:
- Monitor Fred Warner’s Status: If Warner doesn't play, the 49ers' defense might not be able to stop Seattle’s run game, putting a massive burden on Purdy to score 30+ points.
- Watch the Weather: Seattle in mid-January can be wet. Purdy’s grip on the ball with that previously injured thumb will be something to watch during warmups.
- Check the Inactive List: This drops 90 minutes before kickoff (around 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday). Unless something catastrophic happens in Friday's walkthrough, Purdy won't be on it.
Bottom line: Brock Purdy is the confirmed starter. He is healthy enough to play, but he is walking into a hornet's nest in Seattle without his best friend (Kittle) and with very little sleep. Turn on FOX this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET to see if he can pull off the upset.
Next Step for You: Check the final Friday injury report to see if Fred Warner is cleared to play, as his presence will dictate how much pressure is on Purdy to carry the offense.