San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters on Friday, providing final updates ahead of Sunday's Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The team will be without starting quarterback Brock Purdy, who has been ruled out with shoulder and toe injuries. In his place, Mac Jones will make his first start with the 49ers as they look to improve to 2-0.
Shanahan was asked how this week's preparation has been for Jones, knowing that he would likely get his first start with the 49ers this weekend.
"Mac's been awesome, the same this week as he's been all of camp," Shanahan said. "Our team really believes in him, our team really enjoys him, and he did a hell of a job this week in practice."
The 49ers also welcomed back a familiar face this week—wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. The veteran spent four seasons with San Francisco before departing in 2021 to sign with the New England Patriots. After agreeing to a one-year deal to reunite with the 49ers, Bourne has been working quickly to re-acclimate to Shanahan's system.
Fortunately, Bourne has a built-in connection with his new quarterback. He and Jones were teammates in New England and spent the week working together to get the receiver up to speed.
"Yeah, he's been helping me get acclimated ... just studying with him and stuff like that," Bourne told reporters Wednesday. "He's been just giving me tips, gems of how to think about things, and things like that. So, it's dope to be around somebody that I know, and just using it to my advantage to get acclimated."
Shanahan acknowledged that while Bourne is making progress, the playbook has evolved since his last stint with the 49ers.
"It's been a challenge with him just getting here, like it would be for anybody who's new—him Monday compared to today," Shanahan said. "He's getting there, and he's got another day-and-a-half to get there, and I think he'll be good on Sunday."
The head coach also explained that, while the foundation of the offense remains familiar, there are notable differences compared to the 2020 season.
"The basis of how your style, of how our verbiage works and stuff is the same, but just words and everything that we've added, different types of motions, everything, it's expanded a lot in the last five years, like everyone does," Shanahan explained. "And regardless, when you go into another offense for that long, it still takes a lot of time for it to come back."
Bourne is expected to be active against the Saints, but his role may be limited as he continues adjusting to the updated playbook.
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