Shanahan: Mac Jones likely to start at QB for 49ers vs. Falcons
Published Oct 16, 2025 at 3:50 PM
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The San Francisco 49ers appear to be leaning toward Mac Jones as their starting quarterback when they host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night.
On Thursday, Brock Purdy was once again limited in practice as he works his way back from a toe injury, while Jones was a full participant after being limited the day prior.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the quarterback situation heading into Week 7, acknowledging that one player currently holds the edge.
When asked if Jones being a full practice participant made him the favorite to start, Shanahan replied, "It means he most likely will. We'll see how Brock does tomorrow. But yeah, Mac's much better than he was last week, and Brock is doing better than he did last week."
If Jones starts, it would mark his fifth start of the season. Despite battling knee and oblique issues, the quarterback has been steady, completing 67.3% of his passes for 1,252 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling injury update
Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling was listed as a non-participant on Thursday due to a calf injury, raising concern about his Week 7 (and beyond) availability.
"We sent him for an MRI," Shanahan said. "I haven't got the news back yet, but it's something with his calf, which usually isn't that good. But I don't know exactly yet, but probably not going to have him this week."
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