49ers QB Mac Jones Raises Worries From Mina Kimes
Mac Jones is expected to get the start for the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints.
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is sidelined with multiple ailments. Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that Purdy is managing pain in his left shoulder and toe, with the toe injury considered more serious, per ESPN.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on September 11 that Purdy may be out two to five weeks while recovering from turf toe and an issue with his non-throwing shoulder.
As Jones prepares to likely start against the Saints, ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes voiced a troubling opinion about the ex-Patriots quarterback stepping in for the injured Purdy.
“I wonder if the environment around Mac Jones is stable enough for this offense to stay productive,” Kimes said on the September 11 episode of “The Rich Eisen Show.” “The offensive line has plenty of concerns. Brock Purdy faced constant pressure, though admittedly against a very strong [Seattle Seahawks] defense.
“The run game was only decent with [Christian] McCaffrey back. Plus, Brandon Aiyuk is missing. Ricky Pearsall flashed, but this isn’t Mac Jones being handed the keys to a sports car. If it were two years ago, I’d feel much differently about him stepping in.
“And while Kyle Shanahan is one of the elite play callers in football, the situation isn’t great for Jones. That’s why I’m pretty doubtful about the Niners’ offense with him at quarterback.”
Could the 49ers Lean on Their Schedule?
Though Kimes fears the 49ers will demand too much of Jones with several stars hurt, she admitted that the schedule may offer relief. San Francisco faces the Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and Jacksonville Jaguars before September ends.
“The schedule is massive, and it’s important to stress how big this Saints matchup is,“ Kimes added. “They can certainly win, partly because the Saints are one of the teams I think could be the worst in the NFL this season.
“But when you looked ahead to this Niners season, you thought there’s no chance injuries pile up like last year. That can’t happen. Luck with injuries in this league doesn’t work like that. Yet here we are again.”
San Francisco will hope Purdy can return by early October, as they’ll then take on the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both playoff teams from last year.
Nick Bosa Shows Faith in Mac Jones
Even without Purdy available, defensive star Nick Bosa believes Jones can step up and help San Francisco move to 2-0.
“I really like Mac,“ Bosa said on September 10 (via ESPN). “From what I’ve seen of him this camp, he’s really stood out on film. If Mac does get the start, it actually helps that it’s this early in the season because he’s had live reps recently. He’s not coming in midseason after weeks of scout team work, taking hits from the D-line. That’s definitely a positive.
