Four years after speculation that the San Francisco 49ers might draft him, quarterback Mac Jones is finally preparing to start a game for the Bay Area franchise. Since then, he's had stints with the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jones signed with San Francisco in March, expecting to spend the season as Brock Purdy's backup while learning under head coach Kyle Shanahan. But after Purdy suffered shoulder and toe injuries in Week 1, he was ruled out for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, giving Jones his first start in red and gold. With Purdy considered week-to-week, Jones could have multiple opportunities to play moving forward.
This won't be uncharted territory for Jones. Sunday will mark his 50th NFL start, and he started all 17 games as a rookie with the Patriots in 2021.
"I feel good," Jones told reporters on Friday. "Obviously, was fortunate to get a lot of reps in OTAs and training camp, which they do a great job here, giving everybody reps. It's at the front side of the season here, and I feel prepared. I've been working for this, and fortunate to have started—I think this is my 50th game in the NFL. So, I have my routine down, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity."
Jones also reflected on the 2021 NFL Draft and what it means to finally lead the 49ers' offense.
"I think it's all part of God's plan," Jones said. "And obviously, on draft day, like I said, you don't have control over where you're going to go, but God put me here for a reason, and I'm just blessed to be here, and really thankful for the people here who've allowed me to get back on track.
"Obviously, there's a lot more to do, and got to be ready for this Sunday, and go out there and have fun, and let it fly. I put in the work, so that's all you can ask to at least give yourself a chance."
Jones and the 49ers will face a tough environment on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome, which has a reputation for being one of the loudest venues in the NFL.
"Obviously, communication is more difficult, and you have to accept that," Jones admitted. "And it's not going to be perfect, but you just have to play functional, meaning run it, throw it, or hand it off, and try to just stay on track. And all the other stuff is outside noise that is there but shouldn't really matter, and looking forward to the challenge.
"I know it's a really cool place to play with lots of great history and fans. And it's an indoor stadium. Obviously, indoor stadiums are louder, when you have, like games in Minnesota or something, the sound is closed. So it's going to be a little bit louder. So, looking forward to it, and it will definitely be a big challenge."