49ers Elevate Mac Jones as Brock Purdy Injured for Weeks

The San Francisco 49ers face a challenging start to their 2025 season due to key injuries, including starting quarterback Brock Purdy, who is expected to miss two to five weeks with a turf toe injury, and All-Pro tight end George Kittle, who is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. In Purdy's absence, Mac Jones, a former first-round pick and offseason acquisition, has taken over as the starting quarterback and has received strong support from teammates for his leadership and locker room presence. Despite positive sentiments within the team, some analysts, like ESPN's Mina Kimes, express skepticism about Jones' ability to maintain offensive momentum given the injury setbacks and offensive line issues. The 49ers' head coach Kyle Shanahan, known for his ability to maximize quarterback performance regardless of pedigree, is expected to help minimize the impact of these injuries on the offense. Jones' previous experience stepping in for injured starters and his fit within the 49ers' offensive system offer some optimism that the team can remain competitive, especially against a struggling New Orleans Saints squad in Week 2. Overall, while the situation is difficult, the combination of Shanahan's coaching and Jones' capabilities provides a viable path forward for the 49ers in the near term.