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**49ers Brace for Life Without Purdy; Jones to Start Against Saints**
**SAN FRANCISCO, CA -** The San Francisco 49ers are tempering expectations for the immediate return of quarterback Brock Purdy, who is battling a toe injury sustained in their Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team is “not optimistic” that Purdy will be available for their Week 3 NFC West showdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
While a glimmer of hope remains – a source telling Schefter that “next week will be tight, but he progressed a lot this week” – the team appears prepared to move forward with backup Mac Jones under center.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan had previously labeled Purdy a “long shot” to play against the New Orleans Saints, confirming Jones’s starting role for Sunday’s game. The toe injury, described as similar to turf toe but in an atypical location, could sideline the star quarterback for “multiple weeks,” according to team sources.
Purdy, who recently signed a five-year, $265 million contract extension, is also dealing with a left shoulder injury.
In the meantime, the 49ers are putting their faith in Jones, the former first-round pick who joined the team this offseason on a two-year, $7 million deal. “Mac’s been awesome,” Shanahan told reporters. “Our team really believes in him.”
Jones, 27, spent last season as Trevor Lawrence’s backup in Jacksonville after a tumultuous stint in New England that saw him benched after a promising rookie year. Now, he gets the opportunity to lead a Super Bowl contending team.
The 49ers will face the Saints at 1 p.m. Sunday in New Orleans, hoping Jones can steer them to another victory.
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