The San Francisco 49ers are 5-2 heading into their Week 8 road bout against head coach DeMeco Ryans and the 2-4 Houston Texans, thanks largely to the unexpected resurgence of quarterback Mac Jones.
Jones, boasting a 4-1 record as a starter in his first year with the Niners, wasn’t exactly expected to be in this kind of role. But, after starting quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a turf-toe injury way back in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, Jones’ presence has been a godsend.
Purdy has just two starts under his belt as he works his way back from injury. And while each subsequent week suggests the final pick from the 2022 NFL Draft is getting closer to a return, head coach Kyle Shanahan’s weekly decisions to inactive the quarterback on gameday seem to reveal the injury is far more serious than originally thought.
But, will that change with San Francisco heading out to Houston?
Will Brock Purdy play for 49ers in Week 8 vs. Texans?
When asked the Monday prior to Week 8’s showdown if Purdy would have a shot at starting against the Texans, Shanahan admitted it’d be “a reach,” indicating Jones would likely be the go-to option once more.
Purdy was limited in practice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and there were promising signs he’d be nearing a return.
Then, on Friday for his final injury report, Shanahan declared Purdy would be out against Houston. Jones would get the start, while backup quarterback Adrian Martinez would serve as the QB2 on the depth chart.
Week 8 is the first of two road games for the Niners, and it wouldn’t be shocking if Purdy sits out both with eyes on returning for San Francisco in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams.
The 49ers square off against the Texans on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. ET from NRG Stadium in Houston.