Report: Ex-Patriots QB Mac Jones is ‘in line’ to start for 49ers on Sunday
San Francisco starter Brock Purdy could be out "multiple weeks", 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said.
Former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, now with the San Francisco 49ers, is “in line” to make his first start of the season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
San Francisco’s starting quarterback, Brock Purdy, is a “long shot” to play as he deals with injuries to his shoulder and toe, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters.
Purdy missed practice on Wednesday. Jones, who is No. 2 on the depth chart, is expected to play in his place.
Jones is in his first season with the 49ers after signing a two-year, $8.1 million deal with them in the offseason. He lasted just one season with his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars after the Patriots traded him there for a sixth round pick.
Purdy’s injuries could keep him out “multiple weeks”, Shanahan said.
Jones went 17-for-23 during the preseason, compiling 209 passing yards in two games. He didn’t throw any touchdown passes, but had a pair of interceptions and was sacked twice.
The former Patriots first-round pick has largely been a backup since he was traded from New England. He backed up Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, but wound up starting seven games while Lawrence was injured.
Now, with Purdy possibly slated to miss a chunk of time, Jones is expected to have another shot at starting.
Jones enjoyed a promising rookie season in New England in 2021, making an appearance as a Pro Bowl alternate and helping the team make a playoff appearance.
Things quickly went off the rails over the next two seasons as Jones showed signed of regression in his game. He threw 24 touchdown passes and 23 interceptions over his final two seasons in New England.
The Patriots benched Jones in favor of Bailey Zappe near the end of the 2023 season, which culminated in a 4-13 record for the team and coach Bill Belichick’s firing.
San Francisco is off to a 1-0 start after beating the Seahawks 17-13 last Sunday. Purdy went 26-for-35 passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He connected with Ricky Piersall as the second-year receiver hauled in four catches for 108 yards on seven targets.
This weekend, the 49ers will face the Saints at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
The game is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m., which is during the same timeslot the Patriots have for their game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
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