The San Francisco 49ers head into a Week 10 matchup against the NFC West division rival Los Angeles Rams. But, once again, the 49ers are going to start Mac Jones at quarterback.
Brock Purdy, who's missed all but Weeks 1 and 4 for the 49ers in 2025, is not getting the Week 10 start. Kyle Shanahan announced the team's starter on Friday, as Jones will get a chance to sweep the Rams in Week 10.
The reason why Purdy is still not starting, and Jones is getting another start, is clear: Purdy is still hurt. He continues to deal with a toe injury and is questionable to play against the Rams in Week 10. While he's getting closer, he's still out.
Why Brock Purdy isn't starting for 49ers as Mac Jones gets another start
As Adam Schefter of ESPN reports, Jones is once again the 49ers' starting quarterback as Purdy sits on the bench. While Purdy could be active, Jones will remain the 49ers starter.
49ers QB Mac Jones will start again Sunday in place of Brock Purdy, who is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Rams due to his turf toe injury. Pic.twitter.com/lGDbv0Yy2O
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 7, 2025
Purdy has a toe injury that he's been dealing with this season, leading to the $265 million quarterback missing most of the season up through Week 10. As he sits in Week 10, it'll be his eighth missed game this season.
There are a few reasons why the 49ers aren't rushing Purdy back. The most obvious one is that the 49ers have gotten solid play out of Jones, making Purdy's return not necessary to stay competitive.
Jones has gone 5-2 this season, including an incredible Thursday Night Football win over the Rams earlier this season in Week 5. Jones has 1,832 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions as the 49ers starter in place of Purdy.
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The other reason why the 49ers are continuing to go with Jones is not to rush Purdy back from injury. If Purdy isn't fully healthy, then there's little reason to bring him back to the starting lineup.
Purdy is making progress towards a return, but rushing him back could make the injury worse. In the first year of a five-year, $265 million contract, rushing Purdy back to only see him get hurt further would be a disaster.
The 49ers are being cautious with Purdy, and for good reason. Between the huge contract, Jones playing well in relief of Purdy, and the risk of further injury, keeping Jones in the starting lineup for now makes a lot of sense.
Until Purdy is 100%, or close to it, Shanahan and the 49ers will likely keep starting Jones at quarterback. As long as Jones keeps winning, and Purdy isn't fully healthy, there's little reason to go back to Purdy right now.
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