49ers Concern: Mac Jones Battles Injuries
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The San Francisco 49ers could face significant challenges in their upcoming match against Tampa Bay. Although starting quarterback Brock Purdy is unlikely to play due to a toe injury, he is not the only quarterback on the roster dealing with physical problems. Mac Jones, who could be the starter for the fourth time if Purdy is unavailable, has been limited in practice for the second consecutive day due to left knee and oblique discomfort.Jones played through the knee injury in last week’s victory against the Los Angeles Rams, but indicated he suffered the oblique injury at the end of the game. It’s unclear if he would have returned if the offense had another possession. Thanks to a couple of extra days of rest due to the Thursday night game, Jones has been focused on treatment and doing what he can to aid his recovery, such as monitoring his sleep and what he eats. On Thursday, this included a limited throwing session during individual drills open to the media. Although Jones did some soft tosses during the first light warm-up period, he did throw during the third practice period when quarterbacks throw to receivers running routes.I am receiving treatment every day and working. I feel confident and just working day by day. That’s all you can do.
Mac Jones
Coach Kyle Shanahan said later on Thursday that Jones did not throw during any team period and instead “just focused on passing and things like that.”I was just trying to save some throws, and there’s a lot of volume out there. At the end of the day, I have to be ready for Sunday.
Mac Jones
With Jones and Purdy’s reduced workload not participating again (though he did some conditioning on a side field), Adrian Martinez had plays with the first-team offense. Martinez has been the backup to Jones in his three starts this season, and was elevated to the active roster from the practice squad on October 2. Martinez hasn’t played in a regular season game and has been with the 49ers since he signed with the practice squad on August 28. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said that if Martinez has to play against the Bucs, he wouldn’t be too limited by his relatively recent arrival.Really trying to rest. Should be fine for Sunday, but definitely wasn’t good enough to go today. So hopefully that will continue to improve.
Kyle Shanahan
In last week’s game, there were several moments when it seemed Martinez would have to replace Jones. Considering what Jones is facing again this week, Martinez will likely need to be ready again, even if Jones starts. Meanwhile, Jones is still hoping that a couple more days will make him feel better.I think he’s right where he needs to be. Super impressed with Adrian since he’s been here. Very smart guy. He’s had a few more reps just because Mac is progressing a little bit during the week and Adrian hasn’t missed a beat. He’s been doing it. I feel like he can go out there and run our offense.
Klay Kubiak
In other injury news, 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings (ribs, ankle) and defensive tackle Alfred Collins (knee) returned to limited practice after not participating on Wednesday.The game is not today, is it? I don’t really ask the theoretical questions, but I definitely feel like I have a good plan. The game is on Sunday and we’ll see how I feel when we get there.
Mac Jones
