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The San Francisco 49ers couldn’t get going at home against the Los Angeles Rams’ elite defense in Week 10. They threatened to make it a close game later on, but the Rams’ offense pulled away.
Niners quarterback Mac Jones was able to hold his own against an elite defense. He is making plenty of people realize that his success replacing injured Brock Purdy isn’t a fluke.
Following the loss, former San Francisco star Richard Sherman gave an encouraging outlook on the 49ers’ QB.
“I just don’t see how Kyle [Shanahan] will be able to take Mac Jones off the field with how he’s playing. I know Brock Purdy has to start if he’s healthy, but this is a hot-hand situation right now and Mac is rolling! Not trying to spark controversy, but this is an obvious observation. Either way, Mac has made himself a lot of money and will be starting somewhere next season,” Sherman wrote on X.
I just don’t see how Kyle will be able to take Mac Jones off the field with how he’s playing. I know Brock Purdy HAS to start if he’s healthy but this is a hot hand situation right now and MAC is rolling! Not trying to spark controversy but this is an obvious observation.…
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) November 9, 2025
Truth be told, it’s hard to argue with that sentiment. Purdy is clearly the Niners’ future after they gave him such a big contract, but it may not make sense to bench a player who’s playing well right now.
Jones completed 33 of 39 passes for 319 yards, three touchdowns and one interception against the Rams. He looks tailor-made to run Shanahan’s offensive system, and he’s likely played his way into a big contract.
The Niners might be regretting their decision to jump the gun and give Purdy a lucrative extension, especially considering that they could’ve kept him without doing so. At least, they can be happy for their backup, which is much more than most teams can say.
Jones is the main reason why the 49ers have been able to stay in the playoff race amid their myriad of injuries. More than that, he’s also why they haven’t needed to rush Purdy back to the field.
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