Mac Jones to start for 49ers despite Brock Purdy return

The San Francisco 49ers will start Mac Jones at quarterback again this weekend, despite the return of first-choice QB Brock Purdy to practice.

Purdy has been struggling with a toe injury for much of this season, limiting him to just two appearances from the opening six games. The injury first occurred early in the season but it was aggravated in the Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“[Purdy] was able to get out there and throw more,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Friday. “I thought it was definitely a step further ahead than it was last week, so going the right direction.”

49ers ruled out QB Brock Purdy (toe) and WR Ricky Pearsall (knee) for Sunday night’s game against the Falcons.

49ers QB Mac Jones starts again.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 17, 2025

“If Brock is good to go, I picture him starting,” Shanahan added, insisting that Purdy is still the No. 1 in San Francisco. “We’ll always do what’s best for him and best for the team depending on what that situation is that week.”

Purdy took part in three practice sessions this week but was a limited participant in each one, signifying that he is still not ready to start. In his place, Jones makes a fifth start of the season, while Adrian Martinez will be backup.

Mac Jones has struggled for form since a breakthrough rookie season with the New England Patriots in 2021. After falling out of favor in New England he had a stint with the Jaguars but was moved on again for the 2025 season. Since stepping in for the injured Purdy, Jones has looked like a very solid option at quarterback and he has amassed an impressive record in this short spell in the team.

Jones boasts a 3-1 record from his four previous starts but he faces a tough task on Sunday when San Francisco host the in-form Atlanta Falcons.