With Brock Purdy inactive in Week 3 while recovering from a toe injury suffered in the season opener, Mac Jones stepped in as the 49ers' starter for the second straight game—and he didn't escape unscathed.
Jones revealed after the game that he re-aggravated a knee sprain he initially suffered in August. The 49ers quarterback admitted the injury affected his play, but he managed to finish the contest, wearing a brace over his left knee in the fourth quarter.
RELATED
"Yeah, so I had a little injury that I just re-aggravated, and I'm good," Jones said postgame. "I took the brace off because I wasn't moving around very well, and then put it back on after that. But yeah, I felt like it affected my play a little bit, which I was disappointed about.
"I could have just been tougher. It was affecting my reads and everything. So anyways, finished the game out and just going to do treatment, and I should be good."
Despite the setback, Jones delivered when it mattered most, completing 27 of 41 passes for 284 yards, a touchdown, and one interception. He orchestrated an impressive final drive, setting up kicker Eddy Piñeiro for the 35-yard game-winning field goal as time expired.
If Jones' injury lingers, the 49ers could find relief in Purdy. The starter returned to practice last week as a limited participant, and reports indicate the team is optimistic about his recovery. Purdy could be ready to start next Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
San Francisco will continue to monitor Jones' knee in the coming days, but his toughness and clutch performance helped the 49ers improve to 3-0 on the season, taking over sole possession of first place in the NFC West.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers QB Mac Jones trade? Graziano explains why Vikings may pass
The Minnesota Vikings are exploring options at quarterback as they look to create competition for J.J. McCarthy following a disappointing 2025 season. One name frequently linked to Minnesota has been Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers. Jones rejuvenated his NFL career this... -
49ers trade demands for Mac Jones viewed as 'astronomical'
There is interest in the NFL to trade for Mac Jones, but the San Francisco 49ers may be asking for more than other teams are willing to pay. NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Tuesday that several teams have contacted the 49ers about Jones, but San Francisco's... -
49ers sending clear message about Mac Jones trade stance
The San Francisco 49ers appear open to trading quarterback Mac Jones — but it will cost you. There has been significant speculation surrounding the backup signal-caller's future, particularly during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where many expected... -
49ers WR Kendrick Bourne signing with Cardinals in free agency
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is staying in the NFC West—unfortunately for the San Francisco 49ers, it's with a division rival. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that the Arizona Cardinals are signing Bourne to a two-year deal worth up to $12 million. Sources: The...