Sometimes the greatest tales are told by the least expected. For the San Francisco 49ers, that story unfolded under the lights of SoFi Stadium, where backup quarterback Mac Jones took over for Brock Purdy and guided his team to an incredible win against the Los Angeles Rams. With injuries piling up and star names missing, Jones took his opportunity and, in doing so, won over the loud backing of his locker room.

From players to coaches, the message was the same: Jones fits. Wideout Kendrick Bourne put it simply, saying, “[Mac Jones] fits the system. The system is important for a lot of players… shoutout to Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch — they doing a good job of getting people prepared.” Veteran tackle Trent Williams went further, calling Jones “tough as nails. Just an apex competitor.”

Head coach Kyle Shanahan echoed that sentiment after the 26-23 overtime win, praising the fifth-year quarterback’s poise. “He played his ass off. Was unbelievable in the first half. Got banged up in the second half and battled through it… throwing the ball that many times without having a turnover. I can’t say enough good things about Mac.”

Jones certainly gave them plenty to cheer about. Despite suffering from a knee injury, he completed 67.3% of his passes for 342 yards, tossed two touchdowns, and achieved a passer rating of 100.9. The performance marked his third straight victory, pushing the 49ers to 4-1. Still, Jones deflected any talk of a QB controversy. “I think they brought me here to play as a backup, and that’s my job,” he said.

For a team built on resilience, Jones’ rise is yet another testament to how Shanahan’s system flourishes under pressure. Behind the locker room doors, it is certain: Mac Jones has given the 49ers just what they needed.

49ers’ standouts shine in OT win over Rams as Purdy takes a backseat 

49ers QB Brock Purdy was out for Thursday Night Football against the Rams due to his toe injury. The QB did not practice on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and was added to the team’s injury list. After Thursday’s 26-23 overtime victory over the Rams, HC Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Purdy is without a return timeline. The update came after an MRI revealed that he aggravated a turf toe injury in the Week 4 loss to the Jaguars. “He’s week-to-week…Don’t know how [the toe] will heal.” Shanahan said.

San Francisco stepped into SoFi Stadium a bit short-handed but left with a powerful message. Shanahan’s squad narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Rams 26-23 in overtime, improving their record to 4-1. With several key players, including Purdy, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and Jordan Watkins, unexpected names stepped up.

Quarterback Mac Jones set the tone. Despite gutting through a knee issue, he still delivered one of his best performances. And helped San Francisco to a primetime win. WR Kendrick Bourne became Jones’ favorite target. He snagged 10 catches for 142 yards, reminding everyone just how crucial he can be in the passing game.

Christian McCaffrey didn’t have a standout night on the ground, managing only 57 rushing yards on 22 carries. However, his impact in the air was undeniable. The star running back caught eight passes for 82 yards and a touchdown, coming through for the offense when they needed him the most.

On the defensive side, rookie Alfred Collins made a significant impact. Brought into action due to injuries on the line, he recorded two tackles, a quarterback hit, and a crucial forced fumble at the 2-yard line that stopped a Rams touchdown.

And then there was Eddy Pineiro. With Jake Moody’s earlier struggles behind him, Pineiro sealed the deal. He nailed all four of his field goals, including a 59-yarder in the fourth quarter and the game-winning 41-yarder in overtime.

San Francisco proved once again that championship-caliber teams find ways to win, no matter who’s on the field.