Each week, it becomes harder to predict what the rest of the San Francisco 49ers’ season will look like. Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams seemed to expose the ceiling of what this roster can achieve, though the pending returns of key offensive playmakers and quarterback Brock Purdy still give fans a sliver of hope.
Mac Jones’ solid performances, however, have raised questions about whether Kyle Shanahan will actually return to Purdy once he’s healthy. Although the coach has repeatedly stated that Purdy is the starter, Jones keeps making that decision more complicated with each game. Here’s why the situation isn’t as simple as it seems.
What Will the 49ers Do Once Brock Purdy Is Cleared To Return?
The 49ers extended Purdy’s contract this offseason, signing him to a five-year, $265 million deal — the largest in franchise history. At the same time, San Francisco brought in Jones on a two-year, $8.4 million contract, a move that may have saved their season.
Jones made his eighth start for the 49ers against the Rams. Despite the loss, he finished with 319 yards, completing 33 of 39 passes and throwing three touchdowns for a 115.7 passer rating. Before Week 10, Jones ranked 14th on the PFSN QB Impact Meter with a 78.6 score.
Former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman believes the team should stick with the “hot hand” in Jones, even with Purdy proven in Shanahan’s system.
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
“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,” Sherman wrote on X.
Former quarterback and analyst Tom Brady echoed Sherman’s take, saying San Francisco should keep Jones as the starter, similar to how the New England Patriots handled Brady’s rise over Drew Bledsoe in his second NFL season.
Although that perspective has gained traction in the media, all signs point to Purdy reclaiming the starting role soon, possibly as early as Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals. Shanahan hinted that Purdy could have suited up as the backup for Sunday’s game but opted to rest him to ensure he returned as close to full health as possible.
Kyle Shanahan on Brock Purdy:
“He could have gone, definitely. I just decided to not put him in the situation.”
🎥: @957thegame pic.twitter.com/ZuSNCzqSYe
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) November 10, 2025
“He could have gone, definitely. I just decided to not put him in the situation,” Shanahan said during a press conference.
The next four games will be critical to San Francisco’s playoff hopes in a tightening NFC race. The 49ers will face the Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, and Cleveland Browns before their Week 14 bye, then return to play the struggling Tennessee Titans.
It appears Shanahan chose to hold Purdy back for this softer stretch rather than risk an emergency where he’d have to step in unexpectedly if Jones went down. Purdy’s practice status this week will be crucial to monitor, with his return looking imminent.
