San Francisco 49ers fans wondering how the franchise would survive without Brock Purdy are getting good news all around. First, there is the fact that ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported Kyle Shanahan said that there is a chance Brock Purdy could return as soon as next week. This is incredibly exciting when you consider that it was expected to be a 2-5-week injury. Not only would Purdy's return cut this down to one week, but the fact that it is a consideration seemingly indicates that, at the very least, the quarterback isn't going to miss more than another game.
With that said, 49ers fans are feeling great about where they are after the first start of Mac Jones's San Francisco career. Jones went 26/39 for 279 yards and a trio of touchdowns while adding six rushing yards when flushed out of the pocket. It was about as great a debut as fans could've reasonably hoped for from the backup. San Francisco is benefiting from Jones having spent so much time as a starter early in his career.
49ers Fans Have Reason for Excitement After Latest Brock Purdy Injury Update
Before backing up Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville a season ago, Jones was believed to be New England's future after an impressive rookie season. The backup has a lot of starting experience and wasn't helped by a limited offensive system. Having Kyle Shanahan changes the expectations of what can happen and what the ceiling for Jones might be. While it is only one game, there is no denying the former Patriot looked the part of a franchise quarterback.
Slinging the ball all over the field and continually making plays when the Saints had an offensive answer, the game was everything you want to see from your backup. One that isn't happening if there wasn't a level of starting experience that allowed the coaching staff to mold Jones into their system.
With all of this in mind, the 49ers have a reason for excitement when it comes to the situation. There simply isn't a downside with Jones showing himself capable of leading a winning effort and Purdy closing in on a return.
Shanahan's refusal to shut the door on a return next week gives San Francisco reason to believe it is in the perfect position all around, with Jones proving himself capable and the future of your franchise closing in on a return. Purdy has a history of being extremely durable, suggesting that the injury is an outlier and a quick return wouldn't be a surprise.