49ers HC makes strong statement on backup QB amid Brock Purdy worry

In the same week that San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan had to release punter Jake Moody, a player he thinks has a promising future somewhere else in the NFL, the 49ers are set to give another opportunity to a once optimistic first-round pick at quarterback.

With quarterback Brock Purdy dealing with a toe injury that could keep him sidelined for two to five weeks, San Francisco is set to give Mac Jones the starting job against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.

Per Vic Tafur of The Athletic, Shanahan told reporters this week that Jones is more than capable of handling the offense in Purdy's absence.

“I think Mac knows how to play the position,” Shanahan said. “He can play well in the pocket, distributes the ball well, sees coverage well, can play fast in there. He’s got a lot of good film from the NFL with the experience, and obviously college. Tough guy who will hang in there and deliver the ball where it needs to go.”

In March, Jones signed a two-year deal with the 49ers worth $7 million. The New England Patriots selected Jones with the No. 15 pick in the 2021 draft.

San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones has a big opportunity 

Jones spent 2024 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He started in seven games when Trevor Lawrence suffered a shoulder injury. The former Alabama standout went 2-5 as a starter for the Jaguars, throwing for 1,672 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Jones has made 20 49 career starts, going 20-29 while throwing for 1,590 yards, 54 touchdowns and 44 interceptions.

There is no question that Jones is capable of being a backup in the league, and it'll be interesting to see how he does in Shanahan's more quarterback-friendly system. Former backups have had success with the 49ers in recent years, and Jones has a chance to resurrect his career in San Francisco.