Backup 49ers quarterback Mac Jones is exceeding expectations filling in for starter Brock Purdy. 

Should the team ride with the hot hand? NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger answered that question Tuesday on 95.7 The Game’s “The Morning Roast.”

“Well, I don’t disagree with that at all, I really don’t,” Baldinger said. “And that’s not a knock on Brock.” 

Purdy, who suffered a turf toe injury in Week 1 and has been dealing with it since, returned to action in the 49ers’ Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. His unusually poor performance put his health back into question, and he eventually missed the ensuing game in the short week at the Los Angeles Rams. 

With Jones’ success filling in and the 49ers sitting with a 4-1 record, Purdy’s immediate return does not seem as imperative. 

“If he’s 95 percent, why put him out there? Like, why not, until you’re absolutely certain that he’s 100 percent?” Baldinger posited. “And if Mac wins a fourth game, against a very good Tampa team, then I would definitely leave him in at this point.” 

San Francisco’s next matchup is on the road at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who hold a 4-1 record and lead the NFC South. 

Jones, who entered the season with a 20-29 career record as a starter, now is 3-0 filling in for Purdy. He has averaged 301.7 passing yards per game with six touchdowns to just one interception. 

“I believe in riding the hot hand. It just happens,” Baldinger said. “You’re not trying to usurp somebody, but your job is to win as many games as you possibly can, however you do it.

“And you cannot be worried about any player egos or anything else. I mean, Mac’s playing great football right now and so, I don’t know, I wouldn’t be in a hurry to make that change.”

The 49ers made a five-year, $265 million commitment to Purdy during the offseason, so there’s little reason to believe there is any actual quarterback controversy in San Francisco. But, as long as Jones leads the helm with ease, there’s no immediate rush for the return of the franchise quarterback, either. 

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