Star 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy didn’t have his best performance during San Francisco’s 20-9 win over the Carolina Panthers on Monday night at Levi’s Stadium.

However, Kyle Shanahan still had his back.

The 49ers coach was blunt postgame when asked if he considered benching Purdy in favor of backup quarterback Mac Jones.

“No,” Shanahan said.

The 45-year-old didn’t waste any time with that conversation.

Despite the victory, though, Purdy was not his usual self, which made Jones an enticing option for some — especially considering his 5-3 record as a starter.

Purdy finished 23-for-32 against Carolina with 193 passing yards, one touchdown and a worrisome three interceptions. The trio of errant turnovers came in the first half, with two coming in the first quarter.

He struggled to throw the ball over 10 yards against the Panthers.

Brock Purdy was better on short passes than stretching the field.

Brock Purdy completed 92% of his passes shorter than 10 yards and his only Pass TD of the game. He was 1-of-8 with 3 interceptions on throws at least 10 yards downfield. #MNFInsights pic.twitter.com/MXu2ivi9DQ

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) November 25, 2025

Purdy, a four-year NFL veteran, has turned the ball over at a similar rate twice before: when he threw three interceptions against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 and four against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas in 2023.

Over four starts during the 2025 NFL season, Purdy has thrown five interceptions; Jones, meanwhile, threw six over the eight games he started when Purdy was sidelined with a toe injury. 

Still, Shanahan doesn’t seem to be entertaining any type of quarterback controversy, especially as San Francisco sits at an admirable 8-4 despite its onslaught of injuries. 

And Purdy, who signed a five-year contract extension worth $265 million during the offseason, has proven he can lead the 49ers at a high level, so he warrants some wiggle room.

To quiet the chatter, however, Purdy must pick up his play against the Cleveland Browns (3-8) on Sunday morning at Huntington Bank Field.

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