SANTA CLARA — Brock Purdy appears likely to remain sidelined for at least one more game.
Now, the question is whether backup quarterback Mac Jones will be healthy enough to continue his run as the 49ers’ starting quarterback.
Jones is in line to start for the fourth time in the 49ers’ first six games of the season on Sunday, when the 49ers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a matchup of 4-1 teams.
But during the portion of 49ers practice Thursday that was open to the media, Jones’ only throwing came in the form of a few short lobs. The team’s third quarterback, Adrian Martinez, handled all of the throws to wide receivers during the drills at the beginning of practice.
Jones is dealing with a left knee sprain and an oblique injury. He was limited at practice Thursday for the second day in a row.
General manager John Lynch, speaking on his weekly KNBR show Thursday morning, said Jones was tracking toward being available to play against the Buccaneers.
“We’re hopeful and believe that he’s going to be in a good spot,” Lynch said.
Purdy continues physical therapy as he looks to recover from a sprain to his right big toe area. He was seen before practice going through running and conditioning on a side field under the direction of Mike Sola, the 49ers’ director of reconditioning.
“He’s working hard to try to get back, but I think he wants to get back at full strength,” Lynch said of Purdy. “And Mac probably allows that even more so, because we’re winning games while he’s getting healthy.
“He’s doing a lot of things, trying to build up his strength and get that thing in a good spot. So I think he’ll continue to do that. And when he’s ready, he’ll be ready.”
Meanwhile, wide receiver Jauan Jennings was back on the practice field for the first time since sustaining a ribs injury in the 49ers’ Week 4 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was scheduled for limited practice.
The 49ers’ other starting wide receiver, Ricky Pearsall, was going through physical therapy, along with Purdy, at the start of Thursday’s practice.
Both Jennings and Pearsall were ruled out of the 49ers’ Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
“I’ll tell you, that the group as a whole, whoever has been out there, has been finding a way to make plays,” Lynch said of the 49ers’ wide receivers.
Kendrick Bourne responded with career-highs in receptions (10) and receiving yards (142) in the 49ers’ 26-23 overtime victory over the Rams last Thursday.
Defensive tackle Alfred Collins returned to at least limited practice. He wore a brace on his right knee at practice on Thursday.
The 49ers’ official participation report will be added after practice Thursday.
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