49ers can’t seem to escape their quarterback woes as another worrisome update leaves fans uneasy about what’s next
It’s not the ideal scenario for Mac Jones.
Brock Purdy hasn’t practiced this week, and the strong indications are that the San Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback won’t be able to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The good news is that backup Mac Jones has played well, but the bad news is that he is not fully healthy either.
With both knee and oblique injuries, the quarterback was limited at practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He will play on Sunday, but the preparation for the game won’t be normal as the coaching staff is prioritizing his health.
“Really trying to rest it up,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Should be good to go on Sunday, but definitely wasn’t good enough to go today [Thursday]. So, hopefully that will continue to improve.”
Mac Jones’ key stats
- 66.7 completion percentage
- 7.0 yards per attempt
- 6 touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 98.1 passer rating
Uncomfortable situation at quarterback
While Brock Purdy recovers from his toe injury, Mac Jones has been a solid replacement. Believe it or not, Jones has had a higher passer rating (98.1) than Purdy (92.2) so far this season. But third-string quarterback Adrian Martinez was forced to have first-team reps this week. Jones will likely not be at his physical peak on Sunday.
“The game is not today, right?” Mac Jones said on Thursday. “I don’t really do the theoretical questions, but definitely feel like I have a good plan in place. The game is on Sunday and see how I feel when we get there.”
Back in the offseason, Mac Jones signed a two-year, $8.4 million contract with the 49ers to serve as Brock Purdy’s backup. Before that, he had had an eventful start of his NFL career.
Jones was rumored to be a possibility for San Francisco in the 2021 draft, but the team went with Trey Lance instead. Jones was picked by the New England Patriots and started three seasons there before being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars last year.
Now, just like several others did — Sam Darnold is the most recent example —, Mac Jones wants to recoup his value and prove his worth as a potential starter. If he can do it playing through injuries, the 49ers should be even more pleased with what they’ve got from this partnership.
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