Spencer Burford’s knee injury lands him on IR, thinning San Francisco’s interior O-line and nudging Austin Pleasants into a swing-tackle role ahead of Week 3 against Arizona. Ben Bartch is already on IR, so depth is tested. Adrian Martinez is elevated again at QB, but Brock Purdy remains the likely Week 3 starter with a toe issue, while Martinez isn’t active. Malik Turner is also elevated to bolster WR depth as Jordan Watkins deals with a calf injury and Jauan Jennings is questionable. That mix limits risk and upside for SF’s pass attack and run game in a pivotal road matchup.

Martinez’s elevation signals QB depth without promising immediate playtime; Purdy’s health matters most for fantasy, while Turner’s addition provides a potential fourth-down target behind Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. The Cardinals loom with a defense capable of pressure, so SF will lean on quicker throws, a stable run game, and protection tweaks to navigate the Week 3 challenge.

Mac Jones steps in for the 49ers as Purdy is sidelined with a toe issue, and Shanahan confirms Purdy is unlikely to start. Jones flashed efficiency in a Saints win, tossing 3 touchdowns and 279 yards, showing he can run SF’s quick, short-to-intermediate attack. With Bartch out and Colby stepping in at left guard, SF will lean on a compact passing game while Arizona pressures Jones to avoid mistakes.

The Cardinals carry a real pass rush concern, and Jones will need clean pockets to maximize his timing-based approach. SF’s receivers are banged up, with Jennings nursing an ankle and Watkins ruled out, while Martinez could be summoned from the practice squad if Purdy can’t go. This matchup is a crucial fantasy pivot for teams rostering SF skill players.