Brock Purdy a ‘long shot’ for Week 2 as 49ers plan for Mac Jones start
Coach Kyle Shanahan says Purdy’s left shoulder and toe injuries could keep him out multiple weeks; Mac Jones, signed in March, is expected to start if Purdy is unavailable.
The San Francisco 49ers will likely turn to backup quarterback Mac Jones in Week 2 after coach Kyle Shanahan called starter Brock Purdy a "long shot to play" on Wednesday because of a left shoulder issue and a toe injury.
Shanahan said Purdy did not practice and that the toe injury, sustained on a scramble in the season-opening win at Seattle, was the more significant concern. "We’re not sure," Shanahan said of Purdy’s status. "We have to see how it heals and how the week goes on it." The 49ers open their road slate Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.
Purdy, who played through both injuries in Seattle, engineered the game-winning drive and finished 26-for-35 for 277 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the 17-13 victory. Shanahan warned, however, that Purdy’s history of injuries could factor into how long he is sidelined. Purdy missed two games last season — one with a right shoulder issue and another with a right elbow problem — and required surgery after a significant right elbow injury in the 2022 NFC title game.
If Purdy cannot play, Jones is expected to start in New Orleans. Jones, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 draft, signed with San Francisco in March to serve as Purdy’s primary backup. Shanahan praised Jones’ grasp of the 49ers’ system and his ability to operate in the pocket, distribute the ball and read coverages. "If he has to go this week, he’ll lead the guys, the guys will believe in him and I know he’ll do his job at a high level," Shanahan said.
Jones has started 49 career games with the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars, compiling 54 touchdown passes and 44 interceptions with an 84.9 passer rating over his starts. He started seven games for Jacksonville last season with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. The 49ers acquired Jones as experienced insurance behind Purdy rather than as a long-term replacement.
The Athletic reported that the 49ers gave former New York Jets starter Mike White a tryout on Tuesday as they assessed quarterback depth. The tryout underscored the team’s concern about Purdy’s availability and the need to ensure experienced options if multiple injuries persist.
The potential absence of Purdy compounds a troubling opening week for San Francisco. Star tight end George Kittle was placed on injured reserve earlier this week with a hamstring injury that will sideline him for at least four games. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings left the opener with a shoulder issue and did not practice Wednesday but is considered a possibility to play Sunday. Running back Christian McCaffrey, who dealt with a calf concern in the lead-up to the opener, played against Seattle and finished with 69 rushing yards and 73 receiving yards.
Shanahan did not provide a timeline for Purdy’s return and emphasized the team would evaluate his recovery day by day. With a short week before the trip to New Orleans, the 49ers are preparing Jones to start and are reviewing other veteran options to bolster the roster if Purdy’s injuries keep him out beyond Week 2.
The 49ers open the season with a win but head into their second game without clarity at quarterback. Shanahan said the team will continue to monitor Purdy’s shoulder and toe injuries and make a final decision on his availability as the week progresses.