Brock Purdy Out: Mac Jones to Start for 49ers Against Saints

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers will be without starting quarterback Brock Purdy for their upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced on Friday. Veteran Mac Jones will start in Purdy’s place.

Purdy, who suffered left shoulder and toe injuries in last week’s game, did not practice this week. Shanahan stated that the toe injury, similar to turf toe, is the main concern and could sideline Purdy for multiple weeks.

“Brock is doing well,” said 49ers general manager John Lynch on KNBR radio. “He’s doing a nice job, doing everything he can to get back out there as soon as possible.”

With Purdy unable to practice, Jones took all the starting reps this week. He joined the 49ers on a two-year, $7 million deal after previously playing for the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars. This Sunday marks his first start with the team.

“I’ve put a lot of work into this offseason,” Jones said. “Your job as a quarterback is to either hand it off or throw it. I am confident in that.” Jones was the 15th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and has a history of ups and downs in his career, finishing last season with a career-low QBR of 36.6.

Despite challenges, his teammates and coaches have praised his performance during the offseason. “Mac’s been really impressive since he walked in the door,” said offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak. “He’s been open to coaching and learning what we do here.”

To back up Jones, the 49ers plan to elevate practice squad quarterback Adrian Martinez to the active roster. Martinez, who has not played in a regular-season game, was an undrafted free agent in 2023.

In addition to Purdy’s absence, the 49ers are also dealing with injuries to other key players. Left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Jauan Jennings are both listed as questionable for the game, having participated minimally in practice this week.

Purdy’s injury occurred during a tackle by Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love while he was scrambling for a first-down. He was 26-of-35 for 277 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s game against the Seahawks before getting injured.

Shanahan expressed his confidence in Jones as the team prepares for the Saints. “He can play well in the pocket, distributes the ball well, and sees coverages well,” he said.