Rapoport: It looks like 49ers will start Mac Jones vs. Falcons

Could San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones be in line for his fifth start of the season? According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, all signs point in that direction.

Both 49ers quarterbacks are battling injuries and were limited participants in Wednesday's practice. Regular starter Brock Purdy continues to manage a toe issue, while Jones is dealing with knee and oblique problems.

When asked if Jones was more restricted than Purdy, head coach Kyle Shanahan clarified, "No, Brock's more limited than Mac."

Rapoport weighed in on the situation during NFL Network's Good Morning Football.

"Seems to me to put Mac Jones in as the starting quarterback once again," Rapoport said. "They do not want Brock Purdy to suffer another relapse, another injury, another re-aggravation. So, it certainly seems like Mac Jones once again."

There was some positive news for the 49ers offense on Wednesday. Tight end George Kittle, who has been on injured reserve since Week 1 with a hamstring injury, returned to practice. Kittle has been designated to return and could be activated in time for Sunday night's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

"He has been designated to return off IR, dealing with that hamstring injury," Rapoport said. "If all goes well, he could play this week, and what an absolute boost that would be for the San Francisco 49ers—[getting back] one of the best tight ends in the NFL."