Brock Purdy will start at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars. Purdy missed the previous two games with a toe injury. But now the 49ers' QB1 is set to return.
Another quarterback question this week centered around Mac Jones, who led the 49ers to two victories while Purdy was out. Jones injured his left knee last week against the Arizona Cardinals but was still able to lead the 49ers on a game-winning drive. However, the knee injury put Jones' availability to serve as Purdy's backup in question. Jones was limited in practice during the week, while Purdy was able to practice on Friday fully. The 49ers' starting QB is no longer listed on the injury report.
And there's more good news for the 49ers ahead of Sunday's game. NBC Sports Bay Area reported on Saturday that Jones has been cleared to play and will be QB2 for the 49ers, which is good for the 49ers in case Purdy goes down. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with 49ers reporter Matt Maiocco late this week and explained one of the reasons he has confidence in Jones. "If you ever see Mac, if I see him in our building, and it's when we're not meeting with him or not on the field, he's sitting down somewhere looking at flashcards," Shanahan said. "I mean, the guy is such a student of the game. He is so obsessed with working."
NBC Sports Bay Area is also reporting that WR Ricky Pearsall, who is questionable and has been limited in practice this week due to a knee injury, is expected to play. Pearsall has been the 49ers' top receiver through the first three weeks. The second-year wide receiver has 16 catches for 281 yards on the season.
The 49ers need Pearsall on the field, especially in light of Jauan Jennings still being questionable to play. Jennings is dealing with an ankle injury and did not play last Sunday. In his only two games, Jennings has seven receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown.
Demarcus Robinson is returning from his three-game suspension, so if Jennings is unable to play, the 49ers will still have a veteran receiver to pair with Pearsall. Robinson had a strong training camp, and the 49ers would like to see that continue.