Despite the 42-26 loss on Sunday to the Los Angeles Rams, Mac Jones‘ stellar play might have complicated the San Francisco 49ers quarterback situation.
Jones, who has been starting for the injured Brock Purdy, had a career day against the in-state rivals. The former No. 15 overall pick threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns to just one interception. He also completed an astounding 84.6% of his passes, leading a former 49ers star player to question whether head coach Kyle Shanahan can actually send Jones back to the bench.
Mac Jones’ Breakout Performance Sparks Quarterback Debate in San Francisco
Richard Sherman, who played for the 49ers from 2018 to 2020, explained that he wasn’t suggesting a quarterback controversy, but it’s hard not to see one coming.
I just don’t see how Kyle will be able to take Mac Jones off the field with how he’s playing. I know Brock Purdy HAS to start if he’s healthy but this is a hot hand situation right now and MAC is rolling! Not trying to spark controversy but this is an obvious observation.…
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) November 9, 2025
In eight games this year, Jones has thrown for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns to just six interceptions and has led the Niners to a 5-3 record in those games. Meanwhile, Purdy has looked less impressive, throwing for 586 yards with an even four touchdowns and four interceptions over two games.
While Jones has looked great in Purdy’s stead, Shanahan maintains that Purdy remains the starter when healthy. Purdy has been nursing a toe injury for most of the season, and it appears the 49ers are being cautious about bringing him back after rushing his return earlier in the year. After the Rams game, Shanahan hinted that Purdy may be ready to go sooner rather than later, though.
“Our dilemma–or what we’re trying not to do–is put him out in the situation we did versus Jacksonville five weeks ago, or six, whatever it was,” said Shanahan. “I do believe he’s closer and further along than what he was at that time, so hopefully, he’ll have a chance this week.”
Although Purdy has the inside track to keep the job, Sherman isn’t alone in thinking Jones provides the best opportunity to win. Jones has provided a spark to the San Francisco offense and, maybe more importantly, has limited the big mistakes. Dating back to last season, Purdy has thrown eight interceptions over his last five games and hasn’t looked like the same quarterback from his incredible 2023 season.
Whether Shanahan opts for the NFL journeyman in Jones or returns to his franchise quarterback, Purdy, will be a situation to monitor. Still, Jones has made this a more dilemma than anyone could have predicted before the season.
