Photo Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The San Francisco 49ers won’t place Brock Purdy on injured reserve despite his turf toe–like injury and a left shoulder setback. The decision reflects optimism that their starting quarterback could return by Week 5 against the Rams, if not sooner.
Purdy sustained the injuries in last Sunday’s win over the Seahawks and did not practice this week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan labeled him a “long shot” to play against the Saints, while GM John Lynch described his status as “week-to-week.”
The uncertainty led the Niners to turn to Mac Jones, who will start Sunday in New Orleans. It marks Jones’ first start for San Francisco and his 50th career NFL start.
From Draft Rumors to Reality
Jones’ arrival in San Francisco is a twist of fate. In 2021, the 49ers famously traded up to the No. 3 pick, sparking speculation they would select Jones as their quarterback of the future. Instead, Shanahan and Lynch opted for Trey Lance, citing his mobility and stronger arm as the deciding factors.
“Trey’s mobility gave him a leg up, especially considering that around that time was when the full shift to mobile QBs was happening around the league,” a source familiar with the team’s thinking said.
Shanahan later admitted the team allowed outside speculation about Jones to swirl without correction, calling it a potential “advantage” in draft strategy.
Lance never gained traction in San Francisco, making just four starts before injuries and inconsistency led to his trade to Dallas in 2023. Purdy then emerged as the surprise face of the franchise after being the last pick of the 2022 draft.
Jones’ Career to This Point
A national champion at Alabama, Jones was drafted 15th overall by the Patriots in 2021. He earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie but quickly fell out of favor under Bill Belichick, enduring two rocky years before being dealt to his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024.
Jones started seven games for Jacksonville last season, throwing eight touchdowns and eight interceptions with a career-low QBR of 36.6. He signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the 49ers in March, viewing it as a reset opportunity in Shanahan’s quarterback-friendly system.
“Your job as a quarterback is to either hand it off or throw it,” Jones said this week. “That’s how simple I’m going to keep it … I’m very confident in that, and I put a lot of work into that this offseason.”
Coaches praised his development in camp. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said, “Mac’s been really impressive since he walked in the door … he bought in from Day 1, and you’ve seen the growth.”
A Familiar Face Returns
This week also reunites Jones with wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who spent three years with him in New England and just rejoined the 49ers on a one-year deal. Bourne originally broke into the league with San Francisco in 2017.
Supporting Cast and Injury Concerns
Jones won’t be the only new face in the lineup. The 49ers are without George Kittle, who landed on IR with a hamstring injury and will miss at least four games. Wideout Jauan Jennings (shoulder) and left tackle Trent Williams (knee) are both questionable but trending upward after returning to light work Friday.
San Francisco also plans to elevate practice squad quarterback Adrian Martinez to back up Jones. Martinez, undrafted in 2023, has yet to take an NFL snap, but Shanahan praises him for his preparation.
Full Circle Moment
For the 49ers, starting Jones carries a sense of irony. Four years after nearly drafting him to replace Jimmy Garoppolo, Jones will finally lead the offense—at least temporarily—while Purdy recovers.
Shanahan emphasized confidence in the veteran: “Our team really believes in him, our team really enjoys him, and he did a hell of a job this week in practice.”
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