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Mac Jones Development Emerges After 49ers News on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 3:54 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers are off to a strong start this season despite dealing with a string of injuries to their offensive core. All-Pro tight end George Kittle has not played since Week 1, and starting quarterback Brock Purdy has appeared in just two games while managing a toe injury. Still, the team sits at 4–1, thanks in large part to backup quarterback Mac Jones, who has stepped up in Purdy’s absence.

Jones has started three games and won all of them, including an impressive performance against the rival Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. Through those three starts, the 27-year-old has completed 86 of 129 passes for 905 yards, six touchdowns and just one interception. He’s playing his best football since 2021, when he earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie with the New England Patriots.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10)Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Heading into Week 6, the 49ers are on the road to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Purdy has been ruled out once again, and while Jones was listed as questionable with left knee and oblique injuries, he was cleared shortly before kickoff. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings was also made active.

With Jones set to start, a new development emerged regarding his contract: according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, if Jones leads the 49ers to a fourth win, he will earn a $400,000 incentive. "#49ers QB Mac Jones is officially active, and can unlock a $400,000 incentive by leading the team to his fourth win today. WR Jauan Jennings is also active," Pelissero wrote on X. It won’t come easy, as Tampa Bay enters the matchup as one of the league’s top teams.

#49ers QB Mac Jones is officially active, and can unlock a $400,000 incentive by leading the team to his fourth win today.

WR Jauan Jennings is also active.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 12, 2025

Now in his fifth NFL season, Jones has had a rollercoaster career. The former first-round pick in 2021 got off to a promising start in New England but lost the starting job after three seasons due to declining performance.

He started seven games for the Jacksonville Jaguars last year while Trevor Lawrence was sidelined, then signed with San Francisco in the offseason. Sunday’s game offers another chance for Jones to prove he still belongs in the league’s starting quarterback conversation.

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

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