The San Francisco 49ers have dealt with a massive amount of injuries to start the 2025 NFL season. With quarterback Brock Purdy out for the 49ers’ Week 3 divisional matchup against the Arizona Cardinals with a sprained shoulder and turf toe, 49ers fans were on the edge of their seats when backup QB Mac Jones was seen limping late in the third quarter.
What happened to the fifth-year signal-caller, and what is his status for the rest of the 49ers’ Week 3 game?
What Happened to San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones?
Jones was hit on a play in the third quarter after getting a pass off. He landed on his left knee and, after dealing with a left knee sprain in the preseason, it seems he may have reaggravated the injury as he came up limping.
Fantasy Football injury analyst Jeff Mueller pointed out the quarterback’s ginger walk on X, stating, “Mac Jones had dealt with a left knee sprain after their preseason game vs. the Raiders. Looks like he lands directly onto his left knee here and comes up limping. Concern for mild PCL sprain. Sounds like Brock Purdy has a chance to play Week 4.”
Mac Jones had dealt with a left knee sprain after their preseason game vs the Raiders.
Looks like he lands directly onto his left knee here and comes up limping.
Concern for mild PCL sprain.
Sounds like Brock Purdy has a chance to play Wk4. pic.twitter.com/CJrSpZczKE— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 21, 2025
Thankfully for the 49ers, Jones was able to put a knee brace on during the break between the third and fourth quarter and came out on the field for San Francisco’s next offensive drive. While it was evident he was still injured, Jones powered through and led the 49ers down the field for the first touchdown of the afternoon. That included a massive 34-yard shot to Ricky Pearsall along the sideline.
WHAT A CATCH BY RICKY PEARSALL.
49ers go for it on 4th down and Mac Jones hits Slick Rick for the huge 1st down pic.twitter.com/MRH6onrufb
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) September 21, 2025
He would throw the go-ahead touchdown on second and goal with a bootleg toss to fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Jones was able to lead the 49ers on a game-winning drive, and his team won 16-15 against the Cardinals.
After the game, it was revealed that Jones had reaggravated one of his old injuries. “Mac Jones, who had been dealing with a PCL sprain during training camp, told reporters that he reaggravated it today,” wrote NFL insider Ian Rapoport. “Sounds like it affected his play. Good timing, with Brock Purdy nearing a return to the field.”
Purdy came close to playing in Week 3, and with Jones hurt, he will most likely be the 49ers’ starting quarterback next week.
