Brock Purdy Week 17 five touchdowns and 1-seed pursuit?

January 2, 2026

Brock Purdy’s Week 17 Performance

Brock Purdy Week 17 five touchdowns and 1-seed pursuit exploded into a signature performance for the San Francisco 49ers. Purdy accounted for five total touchdowns in Week 17 and lifted the team late. He has 13 touchdowns across the past three games, so the momentum is real. As a result, the win keeps the 49ers alive for the No. 1 seed.

Kyle Shanahan praised Purdy’s poise and playmaking, and the coach called him an assassin. Purdy’s mix of designed plays and off-schedule improvisation created explosive moments.

Because the playoff picture tightens, every big game matters even more now. Therefore the 49ers enter Week 18 with belief, and fans expect a push for home-field advantage. This performance adds fuel to the playoff narrative, and it sets a high bar for opponents.

Read on for injury updates, reactions, and what this means for San Francisco’s path to the top. Expect an intense finish.

Brock Purdy Week 17 five touchdowns and 1-seed pursuit

Brock Purdy delivered a landmark showing in Week 17. He accounted for five total touchdowns, and he carried the 49ers when it mattered most. Because of that output, San Francisco remains alive in the race for the No. 1 seed. Kyle Shanahan praised Purdy’s poise and playmaking after the game. Shanahan said, via Nick Wagoner of ESPN, “Brock has been playing his ass off, made some huge plays in this game. Kept some drives alive with his legs, made some off-schedule plays, and he’s an assassin out there … he’s playing as good as it gets right now.”

Purdy has been red hot recently. Across his last three games he has 13 total touchdowns, so momentum is on his side. He mixed designed plays and improvisation to create explosive moments. As a result, defenses must account for his dual threat ability every drive.

Quick game highlights

  • Five total touchdowns in Week 17 between passing and rushing
  • Thirteen touchdowns over the past three games, showing sustained form
  • Win keeps the 49ers in contention for the league’s top seed

Purdy reflected on his approach after the win. He said, “How can I be smart outside of the design of the play but also have my eyes downfield because guys are moving and working, and there are explosive plays out there. I feel like it’s something that I sort of continue to learn as I go.” His calm and growth matter because the margin for error shrinks in late season play.

What this means for the 1-seed chase

The victory gives San Francisco momentum and belief. Therefore the team enters Week 18 with a clear path to home field advantage. However, injuries and matchups will still decide seeding. Watch Purdy’s decision making, the supporting cast, and how Shanahan scripts plays under playoff intensity.

Quarterback mid-throw scrambling to his right under stadium lights

Marvin Harrison Jr. and Cardinals update

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon defended Marvin Harrison Jr. after the season. He praised Harrison’s progress and said the rookie made real strides. Gannon added that Harrison scored and created matchup problems. He also noted the receiver can still grow into an even bigger role.

Gannon’s view and context

Gannon said, “I thought he did some good things. We moved him around the formation. He scored points for us. He got open, caught it. I don’t think he has hit his ceiling and look forward to the future with that.” Because of comments like that, the team seems bullish on Harrison’s upside. He finished the campaign with meaningful snaps and playmaking chances. The coach expects more from a player who added 11 pounds this offseason to improve strength and contested catches.

Key takeaways

  • Harrison added 11 pounds in the offseason to aid physicality and blocking
  • Gannon praised his route running and ability to score in different looks
  • The coaching staff plans to build on Harrison’s sophomore campaign

Season outlook

The Cardinals view Harrison as a core piece for growth. Therefore they will test formations to highlight him. As a result, expect continued opportunities and a higher ceiling next year.

Rams injury updates

A quick look at the latest injuries and recovery timelines for key Los Angeles Rams players.

  • Davante Adams — Hamstring. The team aims to have Adams back for the playoffs. He continues to rehabilitate and is day-to-day. Therefore coaches expect him to return if progress holds.
  • Quentin Lake — Elbow. Lake opened his practice window today, and he began limited work. As a result, the Rams could activate him ahead of postseason games. If he clears the window, expect more snaps in prep work.
  • Alaric Jackson — Knee. Jackson should return in Week 18, providing a boost at left tackle. His return would help protect the quarterback and stabilize the line.
  • Rob Havenstein — Knee and ankle. Havenstein remains on injured reserve and will miss additional time. The team has not set a firm timetable, however.
  • Tyler Higbee — Designated to return from IR last week. It is unclear when he will be cleared to play. The Rams will monitor his practice reps before activating him.
  • Kevin Dotson — Knee observation. Dotson was seen moving gingerly in the locker room, per reports. Because of that, the team will keep an eye on his status.

Monitor practice reports and official designations this week for updates.

Rams Injury Status Comparison

PlayerInjuryCurrent StatusExpected Return Week
Davante AdamsHamstringDay to day, rehabbing with goal of being available for the playoffsTargeted for the playoffs
Quentin LakeElbowOpened practice window, limited practice workWeek 18 or playoffs
Alaric JacksonKneeShould return to the lineupWeek 18
Rob HavensteinKnee and ankleOn injured reserve, no firm timetableUndetermined
Tyler HigbeeDesignated to return from injured reserveDesignated to return, not yet cleared to playUndetermined
Kevin DotsonKnee observationMoving gingerly, under evaluationWeek 18 possible

Note: “Targeted for the playoffs” reflects a team goal with higher confidence. “Week 18 or playoffs” indicates the status is more uncertain and depends on testing and practice progress. Monitor official practice reports for confirmation.

Conclusion

Brock Purdy’s Week 17 five touchdowns and 1-seed pursuit was a defining moment for the 49ers. He produced five total touchdowns and sustained a hot streak that now includes 13 scores over three games. Because he made big plays both with his arm and his legs, San Francisco keeps a clear path to the No. 1 seed.

The win injects momentum and belief into the locker room. Therefore the 49ers head into Week 18 with home-field advantage within reach. However, seeding still depends on matchups, execution, and health across the roster.

Quick recap of Rams injury notes

  • Davante Adams hamstring status remains day-to-day, with the team hoping he returns for the postseason
  • Quentin Lake opened his practice window and began limited work, so he could be available soon
  • Alaric Jackson is on track to return in Week 18, which would shore up the offensive line
  • Rob Havenstein stays on injured reserve, while Tyler Higbee is designated to return but not yet cleared
  • Kevin Dotson is under evaluation after appearing gingerly in the locker room

For ongoing coverage and updates, visit ramsnews.com and follow @ZachGatsby.