The San Francisco 49ers aren't the only NFL team dealing with injuries this season. Four starting quarterbacks have already been sidelined through the first two weeks of the 2026 season.
The latest is New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, who is believed to have suffered an MCL injury Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams. Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report that Dart's injury is more severe than initially anticipated, with the quarterback expected to be "out for an extended period of time, possibly the season."
That's difficult news for the Giants, who were forced to turn to Jameis Winston. He completed just 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception against the Rams' defense. The 49ers will travel to MetLife Stadium to face the Giants in Week 13.
Other quarterback injuries include Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (glute), Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring), and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (dislocated left elbow). Darnold could return soon, while Williams is considered week-to-week.
Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent is also in the concussion protocol, further complicating the situation in Chicago.
Naturally, whenever a quarterback goes down, or a team is dealing with an underperforming starter, the 49ers and backup quarterback Mac Jones enter the conversation. Jones is widely viewed as a starting-caliber passer, thanks to a resurgence under head coach Kyle Shanahan, making him an intriguing potential trade target.
While those discussions made for plenty of offseason speculation, the first two weeks of the 2026 NFL season have reinforced one thing: Having a competent backup quarterback matters.
The 49ers already know that. They watched Jones step in for starter Brock Purdy last season when Purdy missed eight games with a turf toe injury. Jones played some impressive and gutsy football, helping keep the 49ers on track toward a playoff berth.
The Seahawks also know the value of quarterback depth. They are 2-0 behind Drew Lock, who has completed 72.9% of his passes for 422 yards and four touchdowns while filling in for Darnold. In fact, some have begun wondering whether Lock is playing at an even higher level than the Seahawks' starter.
No one is asking the same question about the 49ers' quarterback situation, given how Purdy has started the season. He has completed 80.4% of his passes for 492 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception through two games.
It helps that the 49ers' offensive line has outperformed expectations, particularly on the interior, which did not allow a pressure against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. Only tackles Colton McKivitz (3) and Trent Williams (1) were credited with allowing pressure.
Purdy has also not been sacked yet this season.
While Purdy has stayed healthy and played remarkably well out of the gate, the NFL is unpredictable. The start of the 2026 NFL season makes the case for trading Jones less compelling. The 49ers know the value of a proven backup behind Purdy, and the team likely isn't ready to bet on Kurtis Rourke filling that role if Purdy misses significant time.
Jones will likely seek out greener pastures as a free agent in 2027, but that shouldn't change the 49ers' approach this season. San Francisco should be comfortable knowing it has one of the better quarterback situations in the NFL, with a proven starter and a capable backup behind him.
For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, that depth is key. The 49ers would be wise to keep Jones as long as they can.
More info on: Mac Jones, Colton McKivitz, Brock Purdy, Kurtis Rourke, Trent Williams
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