Typically, the backup quarterback learns from the starter. 

However, during Brock Purdy’s time rehabbing from a turf toe injury, the 49ers’ franchise quarterback took away some lessons from Mac Jones. 

“Definitely learned from him in terms of being efficient,” Purdy explained Tuesday on KNBR’s “Murph and Markus.” “Taking what the defense gives you, trying to stay on the field, find ways to get points whether it’s good-looking or not, like kicking a field goal after a checkdown.” 

Purdy, who missed eight games this season due to his injury, explained that his symbiotic relationship with Jones has helped him grow this year. 

“It’s little things like that that’s playing NFL quarterback and hopefully we can continue to push each other and help each other out as we go down the stretch here, but extremely thankful for that guy, that’s for sure,” Purdy said.

Jones acquitted himself well in the fill-in role. He kept the 49ers afloat with a 5-3 record in his starts. 

As Purdy mentioned, Jones also was very efficient. He averaged 215.1 passing yards per game with a career-high 69.6 completion percentage. 

“More than anything, him going out there and keeping our team alive, and making plays and straight up ballin’ out — it’s really cool,” Purdy said. 

Aside from football strategy, Purdy took note of Jones’ demeanor when commanding the San Francisco offense. 

“He’s hilarious. Just his charisma and his personality, like he’s awesome. Honestly, it’s been good for me to have a guy that you can see play quarterback and have fun with it,” Purdy said. “Because for me, I’m so serious about my job and everything – which is great – but it’s cool to see him have fun with it and learn from him in that regard.” 

Purdy returned to play in the 49ers’ Week 11 win over the Arizona Cardinals and has averaged 187 passing yards per game with a 67.6 completion percentage through Week 13. He has thrown five touchdowns with three interceptions. 

Although the individual statistics are not eye-popping, the 49ers are 3-0 since Purdy’s return. 

Purdy, with the lessons learned during his absence, looks to pile more wins as San Francisco vies for an NFL playoff spot. 

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