With Brock Purdy still recovering from a toe injury, it is highly likely that Mac Jones will take his second consecutive start as quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers as they host the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday in Week 3. On Friday’s injury report, Purdy was deemed questionable, but coach Kyle Shanahan advised that Purdy is “highly unlikely” to start despite his notable recovery progress.

Earlier this week, Shanahan indicated that Purdy “has a chance” to play during the 49ers’ home opener, but it seems he will need another week or two for a complete return. Purdy was absent during the 49ers’ 26-21 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday due to turf toe. Initially, he was forecasted to be sidelined for two to five weeks.

Notably, Jones stepped up impressively last week, completing 26 of 39 passes for 279 yards and scoring three touchdowns, creating history as the first player to accomplish such a feat in his inaugural start for the franchise.

In the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, Purdy recorded 26 completions from 35 attempts for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, despite injuries sidelining both George Kittle and Jauan Jennings early in the game. He successfully threw the decisive touchdown to backup tight end Jake Tonges with just 1:34 left on the clock.

The Cardinals have also begun the season with vigor, reaching a 2-0 record for the first time since 2021, though Kyler Murray’s team has yet to accumulate 300 total yards in any game.