The San Francisco 49ers faced a significant challenge during the 2025 regular season when starting quarterback Brock Purdy battled a persistent toe injury, leading the team to rely on backup quarterback Mac Jones. In a comprehensive interview with ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, Purdy praised Jones for his exceptional performance, which helped keep the team’s playoff hopes alive during a critical stretch of the season.
Purdy expressed that when a starting quarterback finds themselves sidelined, it can often spell disaster for a team’s season. However, he noted, “He stepped right in and kept the ship rolling. It wasn’t just ‘Let’s squeeze by’ wins. He looked great doing it.” Over the course of eight starts in Purdy’s absence due to injury—initially sustained in Week 1 and aggravated in Week 4—Jones led the team to a respectable 5-3 record. His performance was impressive, as evidenced by Pro Football Reference statistics, which ranked him ninth in the NFL with a 63.5 adjusted QBR and thirteenth with a 97.4 passer rating at the end of the regular season.
Jones’ success was so impactful that there were suggestions in November for him to maintain the starting role as long as he continued performing well. However, Purdy acknowledged that when he was cleared to resume play, Jones gracefully stepped aside. “For me to be able to see that and feel that in a real way, I’ll always be appreciative of that,” Purdy remarked. “Sometimes in this business, you can make it weird. But he did not.”
The 49ers wrapped up their season with an impressive 12-5 record, going on a streak of six consecutive wins before suffering a home loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18. Looking ahead, the 49ers are preparing for a critical wild-card playoff game against the 11-6 Philadelphia Eagles, where they have been labeled 5.5-point road underdogs.
As for Jones’ future, speculation surrounds whether he might pursue a starting role with a different team in the upcoming season. Having signed a two-year deal with the 49ers the previous offseason, any potential transition would require a trade. Jones acknowledged the uncertainty of his situation, saying, “People ask me about it, I get it. But at the same time, I’m dialed in. I love the guys here and don’t want to be a distraction. I know that I possibly could be needed at a very critical part of the season, and so your job as the backup quarterback is to save the season. If I have to do that, I know I’m going to be ready.”
Jones’ readiness and dedication reflect a collaborative spirit within the 49ers organization, contributing to a strong team dynamic as they head into the playoffs. The adaptation and resilience displayed by both quarterbacks highlight the importance of teamwork in professional football, fostering optimism as San Francisco gears up for their postseason challenge.