49ers' situation goes from bad to worse with Brock Purdy injury update

Purdy's injury is another massive blow for a 49ers offense that's already been ravaged by injuries. On Tuesday, San Francisco placed six-time Pro Bowler Kittle (hamstring) on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the next four games. Star WR Brandon Aiyuk (knee), meanwhile, isn't expected to return until Week 6. 

Without elite weapons, Jones, a former New England Patriots bust, could continue to flounder. Last season, Jones started seven games for the Jacksonville Jaguars in place of an injured Trevor Lawrence and looked awful. He went 2-5, throwing the same number of interceptions and touchdown passes (eight). He also posted a below-average 36.6 QBR.

Jones could produce slightly better numbers in a system that suits his playing style and with a coach who believes in him. In August 2022, Shanahan admitted the Niners almost took him instead of QB Trey Lance, another bust, with pick No. 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Still, Jones represents a huge downgrade from Purdy, who guided the 49ers to Super Bowl LVIII during the 2023 season. Last season, the Iowa State product ranked 10th in the NFL in passing yards (3,864 in 15 games) and seventh in QBR (64.8). 

Purdy threw two interceptions in a 17-13 Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks but tossed a clutch TD pass to Tonges late in the fourth quarter and posted a stellar 80.3 QBR.  

The 49ers better hope Purdy's injury won't force him to miss multiple games. If it does, their defense — which held Seattle to 230 yards in Week 1 — must continue to step up. The team can't trust its injury-riddled offense, especially if Jones is at the helm.