Purdy has been sidelined since Week 4 due to a turf toe injury, meaning Mac Jones, who played admirably in relief, will return to his backup role.
So, how did Jones react to the announcement?
"Honestly, it was awesome," Shanahan said. "I mean, I didn't even have to communicate with him. I think he understood the situation that he went into. He's understood it the whole time. And he had a real good idea that Brock was getting there, was going to be ready this week, so it wasn't something that I really had to have a big meeting with or anything—but I did before we went out on the practice field. I did call him in just to tell him how much I appreciated how well he played during that time, and to kind of thank him for it."
Shanahan added, "He's like, 'Hey, man, I enjoyed it, and I'm gonna go have fun on scout team today, and I'll be ready if I'm ever needed again.' Mac's handled it great since the beginning. Him and Brock have been studs in the room together. They help each other a ton. They enjoy each other. And I'm really pumped to have him this year, and I'm really pumped that we have him next year also."
The coach emphasized the mutual respect between the two quarterbacks as key to the smooth transition back to Purdy.
"All these guys are super competitive, so everybody wants to start," Shanahan said. "But it really helps when guys have a lot of respect for the guy in front of them. That's usually when the backups have been patient and have handled it the right way.
"I know how much respect Mac has for Brock. He's watched him play in his career. He got to watch him throughout OTAs and training camp. I know how good of a player he thinks he is. So, when you're in a situation like that, you respect the other guy, and you're usually the right type of dude, then, usually, they handle it the right way."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Kyle Shanahan reveals 'good problem to have' at safety
The San Francisco 49ers opened Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins with Ji'Ayir Brown and Marques Sigle as their starting safeties. Malik Mustapha replaced Brown late in the game after the 49ers had built a very comfortable lead. Mustapha played just three defensive snaps... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan reveals C.J. West injury details, provides other updates
The San Francisco 49ers unexpectedly placed second-year defensive tackle C.J. West on injured reserve ahead of Wednesday's practice. The move was part of a series of roster transactions, and West joins fellow 2025 draft pick Alfred Collins, also a defensive tackle, on injured... -
49ers' John Lynch addresses Mac Jones buzz and trade market plans
Significant chatter has surrounded San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones, largely because of the injuries to starting quarterbacks around the NFL during the first two weeks of the season. Some have wondered whether other teams have called the 49ers about Jones, who played... -
Insiders: 49ers' Mac Jones among Giants' list of QB options
The New York Giants head into Week 3 with Jameis Winston at quarterback against the Tennessee Titans after starter Jaxson Dart was ruled out for the rest of the regular season with a left knee injury. The Giants are reportedly exploring other quarterback options, with head...