Analyst believes 49ers have a ‘quarterback controversy brewing’

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes the San Francisco 49ers may have a developing quarterback controversy on their hands. While starter Brock Purdy continues working his way back from a turf toe injury that has sidelined him for much of the season, Mac Jones has impressed in his seven starts, helping the 49ers reach a 6-3 record despite injuries impacting the roster.

Orlovsky praised Jones' performance during ESPN's Get Up, suggesting the veteran quarterback's strong play could create tension once Purdy is healthy enough to return.

"There is a brewing quarterback controversy, competition, whatever you want [to call it], in San Francisco," Orlovsky said. "Brock Purdy—really good player. Mac Jones has been absolutely sensational in his time, doing it with people that have been beat up, stars and perimeter players that haven't been healthy.

"He's been knocked around, yet this team somehow, even with all those injuries, is still in the playoff race. It is because of the quarterback play. There's a quarterback controversy brewing in San Francisco."

Head coach Kyle Shanahan, however, downplayed the notion of a quarterback controversy, reaffirming that Purdy will remain the starter once he's cleared to play.

"I mean, this is Brock's team," Shanahan said this week. "If Brock's good to go and everything, and can play like Brock, there's no decision to be made."

Still, Shanahan acknowledged the value of Jones' steady play while Purdy recovers. The former first-round pick appears to have revitalized his career in San Francisco, throwing for 1,832 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions through seven starts. His toughness and poise under pressure have earned the respect of both teammates and fans.

"It's just nice, as we go through this with Brock—the uncertainty of the toe—it is cool to have someone playing as good as Mac is," Shanahan added.