Cardinals vs. 49ers Week 3 Preview
The Arizona Cardinals will visit NFC West rivals the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday, with both teams entering the matchup undefeated at 2-0 and eager to take early control of the division standings. The game kicks off at Levi’s Stadium, where the Cardinals hope to repeat last season’s success against a banged-up San Francisco squad.
Team Records and Recent Performance
Both the Cardinals and 49ers have started the 2025 season strongly, putting together two straight wins. Arizona edged out the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints in close contests, while San Francisco dispatched the Seattle Seahawks and Saints, making use of impressive defensive play despite a depleted roster. The 49ers remain slight home favorites by 2.5 points, but betting lines have shifted all week as injury updates roll in.
Injury News and Practice Updates
Injuries remain a central theme for both teams.
For the Cardinals, CB Garrett Williams and DL L.J. Collier were added to injured reserve this week.
For the 49ers, starting quarterback Brock Purdy has a right turf toe sprain, missing Week 2 but is a chance to return against Arizona; however, his practice participation has been limited. Officially questionable; but “highly unlikely” to start according to Head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Cardinals Injury Report
Will Johnson (CB): Groin injury, did not practice Friday, listed as doubtful to play.
Max Melton (CB): Knee injury, limited in Friday’s practice, questionable for game.
Paris Johnson Jr. (LT): Knee injury, limited practice, questionable for game.
Tip Reiman (TE): Foot injury, limited practice, questionable for game.
Will Hernandez (RG): Knee injury, limited practice, questionable for game.
Kelvin Beachum (OT): Rest, full practice, not listed with injury designation.
Calais Campbell (DL): Rest, full practice, not listed with injury designation.
Cody Simon (LB): Concussion earlier, full practice, not listed with injury designation.
Dante Stills (DL): Practiced fully, no injury designation.
49ers Injury Report
Spencer Burford (G): Knee injury, did not practice Friday, ruled OUT for game.
Jordan Watkins (WR): Calf injury, did not practice/limited, ruled OUT for game.
Brock Purdy (QB): Shoulder/toe injury, limited practice, officially questionable; “highly unlikely” to start.
Connor Colby (G): Undisclosed injury, added to report Friday, questionable.
Jauan Jennings (WR): Ankle/shoulder, did not practice Friday, questionable for game.
Impact Players and Key Matchups
Arizona’s top weapons, led by Kyler Murray, will face one of the league’s toughest run defenses—San Francisco ranks No. 2 in team run stuff rate and ninth in rush yards per play allowed, while the Cardinals’ ground game is just 30th in success rate after two weeks. On the other side, receivers like Ricky Pearsall could see expanded roles with Brandon Aiyuk sidelined, but the 49ers remain thin at wideout.
Brock Purdy Turf Toe Injury Analysis
According to Dr. David Chao (Pro Football Doc), Brock Purdy has a chance to return this week as he recovers from a right turf toe sprain. He has logged back-to-back LP's, increasing his chance to play this week, and very likely he will be available in Week 4. If unavailable, backup Mac Jones steps in after helping secure the Week 2 win.
The 49ers are counting on their league-best defense and opportunistic offense to overcome injuries, while the Cardinals seek to exploit secondary matchups and run the ball behind Kyler Murray. With both teams at 2-0, the outcome could pivot on who’s healthiest and which QB takes the field for San Francisco. Expect another close-fought NFC West battle on Sunday afternoon.
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