Mac Jones gets another chance to prove himself as 49ers starting QB

But Jones has played extremely well in Purdy's absence, and even owns a 5-2 record this season in the games he has had to play. What really stands out, aside from the record, is that he has pretty much matched Purdy's production over the past two seasons.

In 2024 Purdy finished with a 96.7 passer rating and 64.8 QBR, with 20 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.

In his limited work this season he has an 85.8 passer rating and 66.9 QBR, with four touchdowns and four interceptions.

Jones, in his seven starts, has managed a 93.6 rating and 61.2 QBR ,with 10 touchdowns to five interceptions.

Across the board their production is nearly identical, while Jones has been throwing to a makeshift group of wide receivers all season. It's been impressive. But has it been impressive enough to convince the 49ers coaching staff that he should keep the job? And what if he goes into Los Angeles on Sunday, against one of the top contenders in the NFC, and delivers a big win with a strong individual performance?

Would the 49ers really make the switch back to Purdy? Or would they continue to push his timeline back, or even give Jones the job outright?

The fact it is even a discussion is a testament to how well Jones has played this season, and how unexpected it all is. When he arrived in San Francisco this season he was on the verge of becoming a journeyman quarterback that never finds a long-term home in the NFL. After failing as a starter with the New England Patriots, he spent one year as a backup with the Jacksonville Jaguars before ending up with the 49ers. It could be a career-changing move for him.