San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters via conference call on Monday, the day after the team's 34-24 win over the New York Giants. The Week 9 matchup marked quarterback Mac Jones' seventh start of the season, filling in for an injured Brock Purdy, who continues to recover from a lingering turf toe injury.
Purdy remains week-to-week in his recovery but showed progress last week. For the first time since his setback in Week 4, the 49ers didn't rule him out for a game. He was officially listed as questionable for the Giants matchup but ultimately listed among San Francisco's seven inactive players.
The good news for San Francisco is that Jones has stepped in admirably, posting a 5-2 record as a starter. With Sunday's win, the 49ers' overall record improved to 6-3.
Shanahan was asked whether Jones' performance influences the decision to bring Purdy back. With Jones playing so well, the 49ers have some flexibility in managing their franchise quarterback and can take their time with his return.
"They're not related. I mean, this is Brock's team," Shanahan said. "If Brock's good to go and everything, and can play like Brock, there's no decision to be made. 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. But they're not related."
The 49ers will return to practice on Wednesday. Purdy has been a limited participant in recent weeks, and we'll see if his workload continues to ramp up as they prepare for a crucial NFC West matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
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