Mac Jones to Start for 49ers as Brock Purdy Remains Sidelined with Injuries

49ers Turn to Mac Jones as Starting QB Against Saints

The San Francisco 49ers have officially ruled out starting quarterback Brock Purdy for Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints, paving the way for veteran Mac Jones to make his first start in a 49ers uniform. Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the decision Friday after Purdy missed all practice sessions this week due to left shoulder and toe injuries sustained in the team's victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

Key Injury Details and Timeline

Purdy's injuries present a complex challenge for the 49ers. The toe injury, described as similar to turf toe, appears to be the primary concern and could potentially sideline the quarterback for multiple weeks according to Shanahan's assessment. General Manager John Lynch characterized Purdy's status as "week-to-week" during a Thursday radio appearance on KNBR.

The timing proves critical as the 49ers navigate their 2025 season aspirations with their franchise quarterback unavailable for an undetermined period.

Mac Jones: Ready for the Opportunity

Jones, who signed a two-year, $7 million contract with San Francisco in March, brings significant NFL experience to the starting role. The former 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots has started 38 games across his four-year career.

Mac Jones Career Statistics:

• 2021 (Patriots): 56.9 QBR - Strong rookie performance

• 2022 (Patriots): 38.4 QBR - Sophomore struggles

• 2023 (Patriots): 37.5 QBR - Continued challenges

• 2024 (Jaguars): 36.6 QBR in seven starts with 8 TDs, 8 INTs

Despite recent statistical struggles, Jones has impressed 49ers coaching staff throughout training camp and the regular season. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak praised Jones' receptiveness to coaching and his integration into San Francisco's offensive system.

Depth Chart Adjustments

With Purdy sidelined, the 49ers plan to elevate practice squad quarterback Adrian Martinez to serve as Jones' backup. Martinez, an undrafted free agent from 2023, has spent time with the Detroit Lions and New York Jets but has yet to appear in an NFL regular season game.

Martinez's elevation demonstrates the 49ers' confidence in their depth development, as he has been learning the offensive system over the past two weeks.

Additional Injury Concerns

The quarterback situation represents just one piece of San Francisco's injury puzzle. The team is also managing several other key player injuries:

• George Kittle: Placed on injured reserve with hamstring injury

• Jauan Jennings: Listed as questionable with shoulder injury

• Trent Williams: Questionable status due to knee injury

Both Jennings and Williams showed positive signs Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday practices, working on a side field and participating in lighter Friday session activities.

Strategic Implications for 49ers

Jones' opportunity represents a potential career reset similar to Sam Darnold's successful 2023 stint with the 49ers. The veteran quarterback has emphasized his commitment to executing within Shanahan's offensive framework, focusing on fundamental quarterback responsibilities while maintaining composure under pressure.

The 49ers' offensive system has historically elevated quarterback performance, making Jones' debut start particularly intriguing from both team success and individual development perspectives.

Sunday's game against the Saints will serve as a crucial test for both Jones' readiness and the 49ers' depth across multiple position groups as they navigate their 2025 campaign.