The San Francisco 49ers are set to face the Los Angeles Rams in a crucial Week 10 divisional clash. While Brock Purdy could be active for the first time since Week 4, Mac Jones will get the start against LA.
Jones has gone 5-2 filling in for Purdy, who suffered a turf toe injury limiting him to just two games this season. Jones’ impressive performance has sparked discussion among analysts about what head coach Kyle Shanahan might do if or when Purdy is fully healthy.
ESPN insider Peter Schrager expressed skepticism that Shanahan would immediately move back to Purdy if the team continues to perform well with Jones at the helm.
> “If they win this weekend and they’re suddenly 7-3 and Mac Jones has [a strong performance], I don’t know a world where Kyle Shanahan just says, ‘Well it’s Brock’s [job].’ So it’s a very interesting conversation.”
Purdy’s injury status has been somewhat unclear recently. Shanahan noted earlier in the week that the Pro Bowl quarterback was not close to returning. However, Purdy earned a questionable tag and now has a chance to suit up on Sunday, highlighting the tricky nature of his injury.
This uncertainty contributes to the complicated quarterback situation for the 49ers. Jones attempted to avoid creating a controversy by reaffirming Purdy as the team’s starter. Yet, as Schrager points out, it will be difficult to switch back if the team keeps winning with Jones.
> “The other wrinkle to it is, I’ve covered Kyle since he was in Houston and Cleveland. This isn’t someone who is obsessed with, how much are we paying this person? The best quarterback for this team will play.”
Schrager also confirmed that Shanahan’s rumored interest in Jones during the 2021 draft was “very real.” Ultimately, San Francisco selected Trey Lance with the third overall pick, while Jones was picked 15th overall by the New England Patriots.
Fans may recall that the 49ers traded three first-round picks and a 2022 third-rounder to the Miami Dolphins to move up from 12th to third in the draft. Lance started four games for San Francisco before being traded after the 2022 season.
Shanahan added Jones to the roster over the offseason while signing Purdy to a five-year, $265 million contract. If the 49ers decide to go with Jones as the full-time starter, it would come at a significant cost — especially considering San Francisco could have just drafted Jones 12th overall.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/49ers-news-insider-mac-jones-brock-purdy-quarterback-controversy