SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers’ dynamic offense, which racked up 9,795 yards and 66 points in the 2024 season opener, faces a significant setback as quarterback Brock Purdy is listed as a “long shot” to play in Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Purdy, the heart of the Niners’ offensive machine, is grappling with a toe injury and a lingering left shoulder issue, potentially sidelining him for multiple weeks.
Despite the injuries, Purdy showcased his resilience in the season-opening victory against the Seattle Seahawks. He played through pain in his toe and left shoulder, completing 26 of 35 passes for 277 yards, throwing two touchdowns, and leading a game-winning touchdown drive capped by a 4-yard pass to Jake Tonges. However, his performance was not without flaws, as he also threw two interceptions. Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Wednesday that Purdy was unable to practice, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming games.
Purdy’s injury history is relatively light, having missed only two games last season due to right shoulder and elbow injuries. He also suffered a significant right elbow injury in the 2022 NFC Championship Game, requiring surgery, but he returned in time for the 2023 season opener. The current toe and shoulder injuries, however, could force the 49ers to rely on their backup quarterback for an extended period.
If Purdy is unable to play, Mac Jones, a former first-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2021, will take over as the starting quarterback. Jones, who signed with San Francisco as a free agent in March, brings a wealth of experience with 49 career starts. His NFL stats include an 84.9 passer rating, 54 touchdown passes, 44 interceptions, and an average of 6.7 yards per attempt.
Coach Shanahan expressed confidence in Jones, stating, “Mac knows how to play the position. He can play well in the pocket, distributes the ball well, sees coverages well, can play fast in there.” Defensive end Nick Bosa also praised Jones, noting his strong performance during training camp. “I like Mac a lot,” Bosa said. “Great dude getting to know him this camp. I think he’s really popped up on tape throughout camp.”
Jones’ history with the 49ers is notable. In 2021, San Francisco traded three first-round picks to secure the No. 3 overall selection, with Shanahan heavily considering Jones before ultimately drafting Trey Lance. Lance struggled to adapt to Shanahan’s system and was traded to Dallas in 2023 after losing the starting role to Purdy, the final pick of the 2022 draft. Jones, meanwhile, had a promising rookie season with the Patriots, leading them to the playoffs, but his performance declined in subsequent years, leading to a trade to Jacksonville in March 2024, where he started seven games.
Bosa highlighted the advantage of Jones stepping in early in the season, noting that recent practice reps have kept him sharp, unlike later in the season when backups often see limited action.
The 49ers’ injury troubles extend beyond Purdy. Star tight end George Kittle was placed on injured reserve earlier this week with a hamstring injury, ruling him out for at least four games. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who left the season opener with an injury, did not practice Wednesday but has a chance to play against the Saints. Other key players, including left tackle Trent Williams (knee, rest), running back Christian McCaffrey (calf, rest), defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), and Bosa (rest), also missed practice. Left guard Ben Bartch (knee, elbow), wide receiver Jordan Watkins (ankle), and running back Jordan James (finger) were limited participants.
In response to the injuries, the 49ers made several roster adjustments. Kicker Eddy Pineiro was signed to a one-year contract to replace Jake Moody, who was cut after missing two kicks in the opener. Tight end Messiah Swinson was also added to the practice squad to bolster depth.
The 49ers’ high-powered offense, which has been a cornerstone of their success, now faces a challenging period without key contributors like Purdy and Kittle. With Mac Jones potentially stepping into the starting role, the team will rely on his experience and familiarity with Shanahan’s system to maintain their competitive edge. As the Niners prepare to face the Saints, all eyes will be on how they adapt to these setbacks and whether their depth can keep their Super Bowl aspirations alive.