On Saturday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the 49ers are hopeful quarterback Brock Purdy can return next weekend against the Arizona Cardinals. In the meantime, Mac Jones is set to make his eighth straight start on Sunday when the team hosts the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium.
However, Schefter wonders whether head coach Kyle Shanahan will actually make a quarterback change if Jones leads the team to another win. That possibility, he noted, runs contrary to what Shanahan has consistently stated about Purdy remaining the starter when healthy.
"The 49ers keep saying they're hopeful that Brock Purdy will be back next week," Schefter said on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown. "Well, they're hopeful he'll be back next week at Arizona, but in the interim, Mac Jones continues starting, continues playing well, and today, he gets a huge matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
"If he happens to win that game, I can't imagine that you're taking him off the field next week at Arizona, even though they are hopeful to have back Purdy then."
Last week, Shanahan was asked whether Jones' recent success could impact the team's decision to bring Purdy back into the lineup. Jones has performed admirably in relief, going 5-2 as a starter while throwing for 1,832 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Still, Shanahan made it clear that the 49ers' QB1 job remains Brock Purdy's. The coach praised Jones for his steady play and leadership, but reaffirmed that Purdy is the team's long-term starter once healthy. That has not changed.
"I mean, this is Brock's team," Shanahan said. "If Brock's good to go and everything, and can play like Brock, there's no decision to be made. It's just nice, as we go through this with Brock—the uncertainty of the toe—it is cool to have someone playing as good as Mac is."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Brock Purdy reveals what it's like having Mac Jones in the QB room
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is entering his second season alongside backup Mac Jones, who signed a two-year deal with the team in 2025. While Jones is scheduled to become a free agent in 2027 and his long-term NFL future remains uncertain, one thing is clear:... -
49ers have NFL's best backup QB situation thanks to Mac Jones
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy missed eight games last season due to a turf toe injury. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, the hope is that Purdy and the rest of the roster can avoid the injury issues that plagued the team a year ago and remain healthy... -
Schefter: 49ers and Deebo Samuel had been in talks for weeks before reunion
The San Francisco 49ers are bringing wide receiver Deebo Samuel back to the Bay Area, and according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, a potential reunion had been in the works for weeks. Samuel requested a trade last offseason, leading to a one-year stint with the Washington... -
Christian Kirk injury gives 49ers' young receivers greater opportunity to make their mark in training camp
The San Francisco 49ers entered the 2026 offseason with a very different look at wide receiver. The additions of veteran players Mike Evans and Christian Kirk gave the team two experienced weapons to pair with Ricky Pearsall, while also creating a much more crowded competition...