Despite being hit by another wave of injuries, the San Francisco 49ers have battled their way to a 4-1 start. Their latest victory, a road win over the Los Angeles Rams, came without several key players, including quarterback Brock Purdy, defensive end Nick Bosa, tight end George Kittle, and wideouts Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, and Brandon Aiyuk.
Purdy, who recently signed a five-year, $265 million deal with $181 million guaranteed and a no-trade clause, has been sidelined with a toe injury since Week 4.
In his absence, Mac Jones has kept the offense humming, leading the Niners to three straight wins and looking sharper than he has since his college days at Alabama.
As Purdy continues to recover, some around the league, including analyst Brian Baldinger, are urging patience before putting the franchise quarterback back on the field.
Baldinger urges patience as Jones thrives under center
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger believes San Francisco should avoid rushing Purdy back to action while Jones continues to perform at a high level. Speaking Tuesday on Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game, Baldinger said,
“If he’s 95%, why put him out there? Why not [continue playing Jones] until you’re absolutely certain that he’s 100%? And if Mac wins a fourth game, against a very good Tampa team, then I would definitely leave him in at this point.”
He added,
“I believe in riding the hot hand. It just happens. You’re not trying to usurp somebody, but your job is to win as many games as you possibly can, however you do it, and you cannot be worried about any player egos or anything else. Mac’s playing great football right now. And so, I wouldn’t be in a hurry to make that change.”
Jones has made the most of his opportunity. In three games as the starter, he has completed 66 percent of his passes for 905 yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception.
His 99.1 passer rating and 66.9 adjusted QBR (tied for 12th in the league, per Pro Football Reference) have fueled San Francisco’s offensive rhythm.
Still, ESPN insider Adam Schefter dismissed talk of a quarterback controversy, telling The Pat McAfee Show,
“No, I still think it is absolutely Brock Purdy’s job. I don’t even think it’s a question.”
Purdy, who led the NFL in passer rating and QBR last season, will likely return once fully healthy, but for now, the 49ers appear content letting Jones keep the momentum going.