Mac Jones has outperformed expectations while filling in for Brock Purdy during the star’s absence due to injury. 

The backup’s solid play has many media members stating that the 49ers should stick with the hot hand in Jones. San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan provided a reality check when asked Wednesday about such takes. 

“Any time a backup quarterback comes in and plays good, that’s all anyone talks about,” Shanahan said at his press conference before practice on Wednesday. “I don’t think anyone talks about what people have done in the past, whether it’s Brock or whether it’s anybody. That’s just how the world works with media or anybody. So, I don’t look too much into that stuff at all.” 

In the wake of Jones’ stable play keeping the 49ers afloat, recency bias has taken a foothold. Nevertheless, Shanahan’s confidence in Purdy remains true. 

“We all know how good Brock has played in the past. I think he played really good vs. Seattle, and I think he struggled vs. Jacksonville, which is why we shouldn’t have brought him back then,” Shanahan remarked. “And I know when Brock comes back, he will play the same way he always has – like a very high-level quarterback.” 

Shanahan keeps in mind that Purdy led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance just two seasons ago. Purdy’s struggles in San Francisco’s Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars do not affect his status as franchise quarterback in his coach’s eyes, particularly because Purdy was clearly hampered by injury. 

“It’s not a hard decision. It’s just more about Brock’s health,” Shanahan affirmed. “It’s been awesome how Mac has played. He has been great. But, we’ve got a lot of confidence in Brock and we know Brock will play at a high level too as long as he’s healthy.”

Purdy continues to progress in his return from injury and will see an increase in practice intensity ahead of the 49ers’ Week 11 game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. 

In his two games this season, Purdy has thrown for 586 yards and four touchdown passes while completing 65.8 percent of his attempts, to go along with four interceptions. 

The fourth-year quarterback has missed eight games this season and six consecutively due to a toe injury. San Francisco is 5-3 in those eight games. 

If Purdy is healthy, there is no question for Shanahan who he will put under center for the 49ers on gameday. 

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