This week, the San Francisco 49ers (1-0) head to New Orleans to take on the Saints (0-1).
Just one game into the season, and the 49ers have been forced to shuffle the deck at quarterback, so it’ll be The Mac Jones Show, as Brock Purdy is out for several weeks with multiple ailments.
The 49ers don’t have to reinvent themselves with Jones under center, but things should look different without Purdy, who is missing time with both turf toe and a shoulder issue. Jones has been working with the first team all week, and it’s clear Kyle Shanahan’s game plan is for him to get the ball out quick and into the hands of his playmakers.
So who’s going to be on the field with Jones? Here’s a look at San Francisco’s inactives list against the Saints Week 2:
- QB Brock Purdy
- WR Jordan Watkins
- RB Jordan James
- OL Drew Moss
- DL Jordan Jefferson
- OL Austen Pleasants
- LB Nick Martin
QB Mac Jones Is Set to Get 1st Start With 49ers
“I feel good,” Jones said heading into the matchup. “Obviously, was fortunate to get a lot of reps in OTAs and training camp, which they do a great job here giving everybody reps. So, it’s in the front side of the season here, and I feel prepared. I’ve been working for this and fortunate to have started, I think this is my 50th game in the NFL, so I have my routine down, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
As for who he’ll be throwing to, Jauan Jennings has been battling a shoulder issue, but he’s going to play and should give Jones a big-bodied security blanket on third down. Ricky Pearsall will also be ready to go.
Add Christian McCaffrey’s versatility, and Jones will have a few legit weapons at his disposal. The real key form him will be timing– finding ways to distribute the ball quickly and efficiently.
49ers Also Without All-Pro TE George Kittle
GettyThe 49ers with be without TE George Kittle for at least four games.
The absence of George Kittle may loom large for Jones and the Niners. Stuck on IR with a hamstring injury, Kittle’s loss means the QB will have to look elsewhere in the passing game. Expect more three-receiver sets, maybe with McCaffrey splitting out wide.
“You don’t make up for losing a player like that,” 49ers OC Klay Kubiak said on September 11. “George has been playing at a high level, but you eventually have to get to a point where you move on. You say, ‘okay, what do we have and what position are we going to put these guys in that we have now?’ So, it’s not about replacing George, it’s about guys stepping up and playing good football. That’s just how I see it.”
Up front, the health of Trent Williams was also a storyline this week. Williams was questionable heading into the game, so how well he holds up will bear watching.
Another name to watch? Kicker Eddy Piñeiro, who the 49ers signed off the street to replace Jake Moody.
Saints Will Also Be Short-Handed vs. 49ers
The Saints aren’t exactly rolling out a full-strength lineup either. They dropped their opener to Arizona and are banged up on both sides of the ball. Edge rusher Chase Young, guard Trevor Penning and safety Julian Blackmon are all sidelined for this one.
If Jones avoids making big mistakes and the Niners play stingy defense, there’s no reason they can’t head home 2–0. Kickoff is at 1 p.m (ET) on your local FOX station.
Brock Purdy, Multiple OL Highlight 49ers Inactives vs. Saints Week 2