The San Francisco 49ers' quarterback situation is once again a hot topic following Sunday's 42-26 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. While the defeat wasn't on Mac Jones, it has sparked debate about whether head coach Kyle Shanahan should stick with the red-hot backup or hand the offense back to Brock Purdy once he's healthy.
Jones, filling in for the injured Purdy, delivered another impressive outing in Week 10, completing 33 of 39 passes for 319 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. It marked his fifth game this season with over 250 passing yards.
Jones' consistent play has caught the attention of one notable former 49ers player, who believes head coach Kyle Shanahan should not make a quarterback switch at all, even when Purdy is healthy.
"I just don't see how Kyle will be able to take Mac Jones off the field with how he's playing," Richard Sherman shared on social media. "I know Brock Purdy HAS to start if he's healthy, but this is a hot-hand situation right now and MAC is rolling! Not trying to spark controversy, but this is an obvious observation.
"Either way, Mac has made himself a lot of money and will be starting somewhere next season."
I just don't see how Kyle will be able to take Mac Jones off the field with how he's playing. I know Brock Purdy HAS to start if he's healthy but this is a hot hand situation right now and MAC is rolling! Not trying to spark controversy but this is an obvious observation.…
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) November 9, 2025
Sherman's post quickly drew attention from fans, reigniting the conversation about how Shanahan should handle the team's quarterback situation. The coach has repeatedly stated that Purdy, if healthy, is the 49ers' starter.
Jones' time as the starter may soon come to an end. According to multiple reports, including one from FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer, the 49ers expect Brock Purdy to return next week against the Arizona Cardinals.
"49ers, they lost to their division rivals, but their quarterback, Brock Purdy, is expected to return to the starting lineup next week, barring any setback this week," Glazer said during the post-game coverage of another game.
Purdy, who was inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Rams, reportedly came close to being able to suit up.
"He could have gone, definitely," Shanahan said. "I just decided to hold him, not put him in that situation."
Purdy continues to battle a turf toe injury that originated in Week 1 and flared up again in Week 4. The setback has led to San Francisco taking a cautious approach with its franchise quarterback.
Shanahan previously admitted that Purdy might have to manage the injury throughout the remainder of the season.
"Our dilemma—or what we're trying not to do—is put him out in the situation we did versus Jacksonville five weeks ago, or six, whatever it was," Shanahan explained. "I do believe he's closer and further along than what he was at that time, so hopefully, he'll have a chance this week."