49ers expect to start Mac Jones again with Brock Purdy questionable

Mac Jones is in line to make a second straight start under center for the San Francisco 49ers after the team listed QB Brock Purdy as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals.

BY FIELD LEVEL MEDIA

Sep 19, 2025, 4:49 PM

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Mac Jones is in line to make a second straight start under center for the San Francisco 49ers after the team listed quarterback Brock Purdy as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Purdy came away from the season-opening win against Seattle with toe and left shoulder injuries, his toe being the bigger concern. He sat out Week 2 while Jones guided the Niners to a 26-21 victory at New Orleans.

Coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Friday afternoon that Purdy has made progress, though not enough to return to the starting role just yet.

“I think it’s highly unlikely that (Purdy) will start,” Shanahan said. “We’re just trying to see where he’s at to see if he can be a 2 or an emergency 3.”

Purdy was a limited participant in practice from Wednesday through Friday. He told reporters Thursday that he wants to play every game but is “trying to be smart with (his) body.”

The 49ers will need to know by Saturday whether Purdy will be active as the No. 2 quarterback or be kept inactive as the emergency third quarterback. That’s because they would need to promote practice squad quarterback Adrian Martinez to the active roster the day before the game in order to dub Purdy the emergency QB.

Jones, in his first season as San Francisco’s backup after three bumpy years in New England and one season in Jacksonville, completed 26 of 39 passes for 279 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions against the Saints.

The 49ers also listed receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle, shoulder) and guard Connor Colby (groin) as questionable. Receiver Jordan Watkins (calf) and guard Spencer Burford (knee) were ruled out.

–Field Level Media

More San Francisco 49ers coverage on Sactown Sports

The San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals meet on Sunday for at least a share of the lead in the NFC West, the only division with more than one undefeated team two weeks in.

Each 2-0 team understands its good fortune thus far.

Both of the Cardinals’ victories — on the road against the New Orleans Saints and at home against the Carolina Panthers — were decided in the final seconds on defensive stops in their territory.

“A lot of positives,” 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa said. “And a lot to learn from.”

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