The San Francisco 49ers may be without starting quarterback Brock Purdy when they face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome. Head coach Kyle Shanahan called Purdy's availability a "long shot," making it increasingly likely that Mac Jones will step in as the starter as the 49ers aim for a 2-0 start to their 2025 NFL season.
If Jones takes the field, it will mark his first official start in red and gold. The former first-round pick signed with San Francisco to serve as Purdy's backup, but given the team's recent history with injuries, it was always possible he would see meaningful action. With Shanahan not ruling out the possibility of Purdy missing multiple weeks, Jones could be called on for more than just a one-game cameo.
Shanahan expressed confidence in the 27-year-old quarterback when speaking to reporters on Wednesday.
"Mac knows how to play the position," Shanahan said. "He can play well in the pocket, distributes the ball well, sees coverage well, can play fast in there. He's got a lot of good film from the NFL, with the experience, and obviously, college. Tough guy who will hang in there and deliver the ball where it needs to go."
The head coach even drew comparisons between Jones and Purdy, noting similarities in how they operate the 49ers offense.
"I mean, they're real similar in terms of how they play the game," Shanahan said. "They're both extremely tough. They both can distribute the ball. I don't know who has a faster 40. Brock I'd say is a little bit better of a scrambler, but they're close to similar."
Jones has also earned praise from his teammates, including star running back Christian McCaffrey, who believes the 49ers' offense will remain dangerous with Jones at the helm.
"Mac's been awesome," McCaffrey said. "He's been such a good guy in the locker room, such a good guy in the field. And he's shined a bunch of times in camp. Obviously, he's got a whole bunch of starts under his belt. He's played in the NFL. He's played good football before. He's an awesome player."
When asked how the 49ers can continue winning if Purdy misses time, McCaffrey stressed execution as the key.
"I think everybody's just gotta do their job, and that's whether Brock's playing or not," McCaffrey explained. "It just comes down to everybody executing at a high level and keeping it that simple. Not trying to do anything extremely special, but just have to have really good execution at all times. But that's pretty much consistent every week."
With a solid supporting cast, confidence from Shanahan and his teammates, and experience to lean on, the 49ers believe Jones is capable of keeping the offense on track as they head into New Orleans.