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49ers' QB Situation Takes Unfortunate Turn Before Brock Purdy’s Return

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 21, 2025 9:26 PM ET

Mac Jones filled in nicely for Brock Purdy as the San Francisco 49ers moved to 3-0 to begin the 2025 NFL season, defeating Kyler Murray and NFC West foe Arizona Cardinals 16-15 in Week 3. Jones completed 27-of-41 passes for 284 yards, one touchdown and one interception, including his late 63-yard two-minute drill to set up an Eddy Peneiro game-winner as time expired.

Purdy sat out his second straight game with a toe injury suffered in the Week 1 win over the Seahawks. He is also nursing a left shoulder injury. Jones also started in his place last week against the Saints, throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns.

Leading up to the Week 3 matchup, Purdy was listed as questionable and a limited practice participant throughout the week. Yet, while the 49ers await Purdy's return, they did run into another issue at quarterback.

Jones has also been dealing with a PCL sprain recently, but has been able to play throughout. Yet, after the win over the Cardinals, Jones admitted that he reaggravated it during Sunday's game.

"49ers QB Mac Jones, who had been dealing with a PCL sprain during training camp, told reporters that he reaggravated it today," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport wrote on X. "Sounds like it affected his play. Good timing, with Brock Purdy nearing a return to the field."

#49ers QB Mac Jones, who had been dealing with a PCL sprain during training camp, told reporters that he reaggravated it today. Sounds like it affected his play.

Good timing, with Brock Purdy nearing a return to the field.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 22, 2025

Purdy was a late scratch for the 49ers, officially ruled out Sunday morning. Coach Kyle Shanahan had signaled the move on Friday but added a positive update, suggesting Purdy could return in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"Just seeing what he would be limited in," Shanahan said. "There's certain things that he could do, maybe certain things that he couldn't. Trying to decide if he can do that. You won't know that until Sunday... Don't want to force it Sunday, but don't mind finding out if you have to."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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