The San Francisco 49ers have faced a slew of injuries, including to their starting quarterback, but have managed to put together wins anyway. Brock Purdy missed seven games due to a turf toe injury, leaving former first rounder Mac Jones leading the offense for the majority of the season. And ahead of Sunday’s divisional clash with the Los Angeles Rams, coach Kyle Shanahan said Jones will be the starter for an eighth consecutive game.
The 49ers (6-3) labeled Purdy as questionable for the Week 10 contest, and while Shanahan said he could be active, Purdy would serve only as the No. 2 quarterback if he is ready to play. His status will become clearer once he and Shanahan meet on Saturday.
“We’re trying to ease Brock out there in the practice stuff, but anytime you’re dealing with this turf toe, it’s something that probably won’t fully go away all year,” Shanahan said this week. “Regardless of when he comes back, he’s going to always have to deal with it a little bit, especially with the people you talk to who have gone through turf toe.”
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What could that mean for Jones’ long-term outlook as the starter?
The former New England Patriots quarterback has a 67.2% completion rate, with 1,832 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. His five wins are more than he tallied in the last two seasons combined. In Sunday’s win against the New York Giants, Jones went 19-of-24 with 235 yards and two touchdowns.
Shanahan said Purdy’s unclear status won’t affect how Jones prepares.
“No, nothing changes Mac in that way,” Shanahan said.
While Jones has won the majority of his games this year, logic dictates the 49ers will go with their $265 million quarterback once he proves he is healthy enough to start.
Purdy suffered the injury in Week 1 and attempted a return in Week 4, but aggravated the injury and has been sidelined since.
Shanahan was hopeful that Purdy, who was limited in practice leading up to Week 9, could serve as the backup or emergency quarterback, but he was inactive for the win over the New York Giants.
