Mac Jones appears likely to be under center for the San Francisco 49ers in their Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints. Moreover, having the former New England Patriots signal caller might have influenced Kendrick Bourne’s decision.
On September 8, ESPN reported that San Francisco and Bourne agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. Nonetheless, while speaking to reporters on September 10, the veteran receiver noted the connection that he developed when they were together in New England.
“Me knowing him obviously helps,” Bourne told reporters (h/t 95.7 The Game). “So we have a connection, things like that. We can speak to each other in a certain way.
“He can get on me certain ways because we’re already connected, which is ironic. But just being prepared with whoever is going to throw the ball and just doing what I need to do to be prepared in the spots that I need to be in.”
Bourne and Jones will probably have to rekindle their connection against the Saints. 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy is also nursing multiple injuries. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Purdy has problems with his left shoulder and toe, noting that the toe is the bigger concern, according to ESPN.
Can Mac Jones Fill the Shoes of Brock Purdy?
NFL analyst Greg Cosell told 95.7 The Game that he thinks Jones is capable of stepping in and handling the starting role for the 49ers if needed against New Orleans.
“I think in many ways he’s stylistically similar to Purdy, except he’s not as good an athlete,” Cosell said on the September 10 edition of “Willard & Dibs.” “But when you put him in the context of this offense—and that’s all we can do, because that’s what he’s going to be doing—he’s a timing and rhythm player who can execute the kinds of throws asked in this offense.”
“He obviously played last year and had some ups and some downs, which was to be expected. He was in a pretty dysfunctional situation. So I’m not going to sit here and tell you he’s going to come out and be unbelievable and, wow, it’s special.
“But the way in which he plays — and I think everybody was probably well aware when he came out in the draft — that it seemed that Kyle liked him because it’s that style. He’s a timing, rhythm player who gets the ball out, and that fits what Kyle wants.”
49ers QB Mac Jones Gets a Vote of Confidence
Purdy is expected to miss San Francisco’s game Sunday against New Orleans, with Shanahan calling his chances “a long shot.” The quarterback’s toe injury is the bigger concern, and along with another issue, it kept him out of practice on September 10.
Even if Purdy isn’t under center, 49ers star pass rusher Nick Bosa is confident Jones can get the job done and help the team reach a 2-0 record.
“I like Mac a lot,” Bosa said on September 10 (h/t ESPN). “Getting to know him this camp, and I think he’s really popped on tape throughout camp. If Mac does start, I think it’s a little more advantageous for him being earlier in the year since he’s gotten some real reps recently, and he’s not 10 weeks into the season taking only scout team [snaps], getting pinballed around by the D-line and scout team. I think that’s a bright side.”
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