The San Francisco 49ers understand they might not be in their current position without quarterback Mac Jones' contributions this season. When starter Brock Purdy missed time with a turf toe injury, Jones stepped in for eight games and delivered steady production, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Most importantly, Jones went 5-3 as a starter, keeping the 49ers firmly in playoff contention until Purdy returned in Week 11.
On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked whether it was fair to say the 49ers might not be preparing for a Wild Card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles without Jones' performances earlier in the season.
"Oh, no doubt," Shanahan said. "I mean, anytime you lose your starting quarterback for six or seven games ... it's always a huge deal. But when you've got a guy who comes in and plays like Mac, it was a big reason that we were able to have 12 wins. Rarely can you have 12 wins when you miss your starter for half the year. It was huge."
Shanahan compared the situation to the 2022 season, when the 49ers lost two starting quarterbacks, and then-rookie Purdy stepped in and played at a high level, helping the team make a deep playoff run.
"You don't just have success with any backup quarterback," Shanahan continued. "They've got to be the right guy, the right player."
Purdy and Jones were named co-recipients of the annual Garry Niver Award, presented by the local Pro Football Writers of America chapter to the player who works best with reporters. While Jones is no longer as front-facing with the media as he was during his time as a starter, he remains an important presence within the organization.
"And what's been so cool with Mac—he might have faded in the background, like in the media and stuff, because he hasn't been playing on Sundays, but he acts the exact same way at practice, the exact same way in the meeting rooms," Shanahan said.
"He's broken the team down, still, a number of times. Those guys are very close, and he's got a very genuine way of acting that the team has gravitated to."
Jones is signed through the 2026 season. While trade interest could emerge after his strong showing this year, the 49ers know they have a valuable backup quarterback who has already proven his importance to the roster.