Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Kyle Shanahan dismisses 49ers QB controversy speculation

Originally posted on 49ers Webzone | By David Bonilla | Last updated Nov 12, 2025 5:49 PM ET

Rumors of a quarterback controversy are swirling in Santa Clara, but Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers aren't entertaining the noise. Despite growing media speculation, the team's stance on its quarterback depth chart remains unchanged.

When Brock Purdy is healthy, he's the starter—no matter how well Mac Jones has performed in relief.

Purdy has appeared in only two games this season, last taking the field in Week 4, when he re-aggravated the turf toe injury first suffered in the season opener.

Meanwhile, Jones has helped keep the 49ers competitive, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions through eight games. His play is a significant reason the 49ers remain in the NFC playoff race.

Based on the early portion of 49ers practice, it indeed looks as if the 49ers are preparing Brock Purdy to return to his starting role Sunday at the Cardinals.— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) November 12, 2025

On Wednesday, Shanahan was asked about the outside chatter suggesting the 49ers should at least consider sticking with Jones even after Purdy returns to full health.

"I just think that's the world," Shanahan said. "Anytime a backup quarterback comes in and plays good, that's all anyone talks about. I don't think anyone talks about what people have done in the past. Whether it's Brock or whether it's anybody. That's just how the world works with media or anybody.

"So, I don't look too much into that stuff at all. We all know how good Brock's played in the past."

Shanahan also admitted he regrets allowing Purdy to return too soon from his initial injury. He acknowledged that the quarterback looked "a little off" in that Week 4 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"I think he played really good versus Seattle and I think he struggled versus Jacksonville, which is why we shouldn't have brought him back then," Shanahan said. "I know when Brock comes back, he'll play the same way he always has, like a very high-level quarterback."

What makes Shanahan so certain that Purdy is ready now?

"I think the last six weeks," he responded. "That's why we've handled it this way."

This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: