Mac Jones is making the most of Brock Purdy’s absence, breaking a surprising 49ers record and giving Kyle Shanahan a new dilemma at quarterback.
Mac Jones sets 49ers record few expected while filling in for Brock Purdy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Mac Jones has done more than just hold down the fort for the San Francisco 49ers. In Brock Purdy’s absence, the former first-round pick has delivered one of the most efficient and productive stretches by any quarterback in team history.
Jones will make his fifth start in seven games when the 49ers host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night, while Purdy continues to recover from a lingering toe injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Purdy is improving but still not ready to return to action.
“He was able to get out there, throw more,” Shanahan said this week. “I thought he was a step further ahead than last week, so going in the right direction.”
The 49ers remain cautious with Purdy, who first injured his toe in the season opener against Seattle. In the meantime, Jones has made the most of his opportunity, leading San Francisco to a 3-1 record and rewriting parts of the franchise record book.
Jones thriving as Purdy’s recovery continues
Purdy has been ruled out for his third consecutive game, with Shanahan saying it’s unlikely he’ll be active even as an emergency quarterback.
“If Brock’s good to go I picture him starting,” Shanahan said. “We’ll always do what’s best for him and best for the team.”
The 49ers could have him back as soon as Week 8 against Houston, but for now, Jones will continue steering the offense.
Jones’ numbers have been remarkable. He leads the NFL with an average of 313 passing yards per game and has thrown for 1,252 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing 67.3% of his passes.
His yardage total is the most ever by a 49ers quarterback in his first four starts and ranks eighth all-time in NFL history for a player’s first four starts with a team.
San Francisco’s season has been defined by injuries. All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa are both out for the year, while tight end George Kittle is set to return after missing five games with a hamstring injury. Rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall will miss his third straight contest with a knee issue.
Despite the setbacks, Jones’ command has kept the 49ers competitive. Even in last week’s loss to Tampa Bay, where he was sacked six times and intercepted twice, he showed poise under pressure. The Falcons’ top-ranked pass defense will pose another challenge, allowing just 139.4 yards per game and ranking second in sack percentage at 9.7%.
Behind Jones, Adrian Martinez, the former UFL MVP, remains next in line should the starter’s minor knee or oblique injuries flare up. Purdy’s return may be near, but until then, Jones’ performance has given the 49ers reason to believe they’re in steady hands.
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Category: Football
