Mac Jones is expected to start for the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints.
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is recovering from multiple injuries. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Purdy is dealing with issues in his left shoulder and toe, with the toe being the more serious concern, according to ESPN.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on September 11 that Purdy could miss two to five weeks while managing a turf toe variant and a problem with his non-throwing shoulder.
Ahead of Jones likely starting against the Saints, ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes shared a concerning take regarding the former Patriots quarterback getting the call to replace the injured Purdy.
“I question whether the situation around Mac Jones is good enough to enable this offense to keep rolling,” Kimes said on the September 11 edition of “The Rich Eisen Show.” “The offensive line had a lot of problems. Brock Purdy was under pressure a lot, admittedly against a very good [Seattle Seahawks] defense.
“The run game looked just okay with [Christian] McCaffrey back. Of course, you don’t have Brandon Aiyuk. Ricky Pearsall looked good, but this is not Mac Jones getting into the Ferrari and being given the keys. If this was a couple of years ago, I would feel very different about him being slotted into this.
“And of course, Kyle Shanahan’s one of the best play callers in the business, but this is not a great situation that he is stepping into. So, I’m pretty skeptical of the Niners offense with Mac Jones.”
Can the 49ers Benefit From Their Schedule?
While Kimes is concerned that the 49ers might ask too much of Jones with so many weapons out due to injury, she does note that the schedule could help San Francisco. The 49ers face the Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and Jacksonville Jaguars to close out the month of September.
“The schedule’s huge, and you’re right to emphasize the New Orleans competition is big,“ Kimes added. “They can absolutely win this game in part because they’re playing the Saints, who I really do think are probably going to be the worst teams in the NFL this year.
“But when you go into this Niners season, you think there’s no way they can be as hurt as last year. Can’t happen. Injury luck in the NFL doesn’t work that way. And then it just happens again.”
San Francisco will hope that Purdy can be ready to go when October starts, as they have to face the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who made the playoffs last season.
Nick Bosa Backs Mac Jones
Even if the 49ers start without Purdy, star pass rusher Nick Bosa is confident Jones can handle the job 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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