T
he San Francisco 49ers are sitting pretty at 6-3. Going on the road and beating the New York Giants in week 10, the 49ers snapped a one-game skid to get back into the win column, matching their win total from last season and helping their playoff chances. Even though the 49ers are in third place in the NFC West, they are in good position to make a run at the division title.
But what has been most impressive about the 49ers’ run of success is how they have done it in spite of all the injuries that they have dealt with to key stars– none more notable than quarterback Brock Purdy. Playing in only two games so far this season because of a turf toe injury, backup Mac Jones has led the team in Purdy’s absence. And in seven games, Jones has performed admirably, throwing 10 touchdowns to only five interceptions while having a 5-2 record as the starter. And with Jones playing so well, some have wondered whether or not there is now a quarterback controversy in San Francisco. But on Monday, Nov. 3, Jones and head coach Kyle Shanahan quickly shot down any speculation that the 49ers were going to make a permanent change at quarterback.
Jones and Shanahan’s Comments
Jones started the 49ers’ week 10 win over the Giants, and had another spectacular game– completing 79.2% of his passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. And after the win, Shanahan spoke on Purdy’s injury and said that he will most likely have to deal with it all season given how long it takes for a turf toe injury to heal. The answer came in response to a question about whether or not Purdy’s uncertain status affects how Jones prepares each week. But Shanahan said that even though Jones is playing well, Purdy is still the starter when healthy.
“Yeah, they’re not related,” Shanahan said. “This is Brock’s team and if Brock’s good to go and everything and can play like Brock, there’s no decision to be made. It’s just nice as we go through this with Brock with the uncertainty of the toe, it is cool to have someone playing as good as Mac is. But, they’re not related.”
The 49ers are very fortunate that Jones is playing as well as he is, allowing them the opportunity to take their time with Purdy’s recovery. Handing Purdy a lucrative five-year, $265 million extension this offseason, the 49ers want to make sure that their franchise quarterback is 100% healthy before he gets back on the field so that they don’t risk him suffering a worse injury that jeopardizes his career.
Jones’ Season Thus Far
Signing a two-year, $7 million contract with the 49ers over the offseason, the expectation was that Jones would be a backup all season and provide a stable and reliable insurance option in case Purdy goes down. And sure enough, Purdy got hurt in week one and since Jones has taken over, he has revived his career and looked like a legitimate QB1.
Aside from a two interception game in a week six loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jones has played well all year long and has made himself a very intriguing option for quarterback needy teams next offseason. Signed through 2026, any team that needs a guy like Jones could offer the 49ers a hefty haul to try and get him.
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