Will Mac Jones' solid play impact when 49ers bring Brock Purdy back?

Some wondered if San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones' performance in a 26-21 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 2 could impact when the team reinstates Brock Purdy into the starting lineup. Purdy missed the New Orleans game with left shoulder and toe injuries. 

During a Thursday appearance on San Francisco radio station KNBR, 49ers general manager John Lynch suggested Jones' performance against New Orleans won't have any impact on when Purdy resumes serving as QB1. 

49ers will make best decision for Brock Purdy, team

"I think you make a decision that is best for Brock and best for our team," Lynch said, per David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone. "And so, that's short-term, long-term, and we'll take everything into account. But it's about where Brock is. Do we feel comfortable putting him out there? If not, we do know that we feel very comfortable with Mac. But I think you have to be careful about that. You've got to make sure these guys are right and able to go perform at the level, from the ability to perform. But most of all, their health, and not just looking at it short-term, but long-term."

Jones completed 26-of-39 pass attempts for 279 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions against the Saints to help improve the 49ers to 2-0 on the season. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed on Wednesday that there is "a chance" Purdy will be cleared for Sunday's matchup with the 2-0 Arizona Cardinals.

Lynch said on Thursday, though, that the 49ers first wanted to see how Purdy's body responded to being a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. 

Could Brock Purdy be available but not start vs. Cardinals? 

As noted by the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Russell Wilson made his first appearance on the Steelers’ active roster as a backup, following a five-week absence to start the 2024 season due to a lingering calf injury. On Thursday, Lynch hinted the 49ers are open to doing something similar with Jones and Purdy this weekend. 

"You could see that," Lynch admitted when asked if Purdy could be San Francisco's QB2 against Arizona. "I think all things are on the table." 

As of Thursday afternoon, ESPN BET had the 49ers as 2.5-point favorites over the Cardinals.