While the San Francisco 49ers were attempting to win the game against the Arizona Cardinals, Mac Jones had to rely on Christian McCaffrey for help.

The San Francisco 49ers are undefeated through three weeks despite starting quarterback Brock Purdy missing two games due to a turf toe injury. Backup Mac Jones playing well in his absence is a win-win for the organization.

After starring at Alabama, Mac Jones fell out of favor in both New England and Jacksonville before landing with the 49ers.

With Jauan Jennings missing from the lineup, Jones targeted either Christian McCaffrey or Ricky Pearsall on 26 of his 38 pass attempts.

Mac Jones finally gets his chance to start for San Francisco, four years after the 49ers considered drafting him.

Now in his third act as an NFL quarterback, Jones has already had two opportunities to prove that he has good football left in him. In the process, the 49ers have learned a lot about their No. 2 signal-caller, even as Brock Purdy is poised to return from a toe injury sooner than later.

San Francisco quarterback Mac Jones re-aggravated a sprained PCL during the 49ers' 16-15 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, he told reporters after the game Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif.

Kyle Shanahan talked about Mac Jones' confidence and how his likeability will translate to his play with his teammates.

For the second season in a row, the San Francisco 49ers are being hit hard by key injuries. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is still out after tearing his ACL and MCL last October, and this past Sunday, quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle were forced to sit due to toe and hamstring injuries, respectively.

San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones threads a 34-yard pass to WR Ricky Pearsall along the sideline against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3 of the 2025 season.