Mac Jones is gearing up for his fifth straight start under center for the Red and Gold. He is filling in for the injured Brock Purdy. And while he’s been steady, there’s more than a box score riding on this one. Last week’s loss cost him a hefty bonus and now got another chance to earn it in the home.

“Mac Jones has been banged up too. But Mac practiced in full the past two days. He will get another start and with a win can earn a cool $400,000 incentive,” Tom Pelissero said.

According to Pelissero, Jones’ deal with the San Francisco 49ers carries a $400,000 clause. It activates if he leads the 49ers to four wins. But last week’s Tampa Bay loss stung. The 49ers fell 30-19, and Jones’ shot at the payout slipped through his fingers. Still, the opportunity isn’t gone. One win changes everything.

And here’s where it gets interesting: if Jones stays the starter and wins 10 games, that incentive balloons to a whopping $1 million. The 27-year-old inked a two-year, $8.4 million deal with San Francisco in the 2025 offseason. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, meanwhile, confirmed that Purdy’s making strides but not enough to suit up yet.

“He was able to get out there, throw more, I thought he was a step further ahead than last week, so going in the right direction,” Shanahan said of Purdy.

That’s encouraging for San Francisco’s long-term plans, but for now, it means Jones keeps the keys. But Week 7 won’t be easy for Jones.

Falcons could be Mac Jones’ biggest test

Across four games, Jones thrown 1,252 yards and completed 67.3% of his passes. Not bad for a guy who’s been playing through bumps and bruises. He’s tossed six touchdowns against three picks — solid, but not flawless. Still, it’s clear he’s been doing enough to keep San Francisco in the fight. Now, Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons could tell us just how far he’s come.

Atlanta’s defense has been stingy, holding teams to just 253.4 total yards per game. That’s no joke. So, Jones knows he can’t afford mistakes. The Falcons’ front is physical, their coverage is tight. This will be the kind of matchup that tests both his patience and his poise.

Still, there’s one big plus for the Niner Faithful: Jones is feeling healthier. When asked if he felt his performances were improving, he didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, absolutely. Every day you’re growing, you’re learning. In this system it’s a lot.” That confidence is showing in how he commands the offense.

He added, “Every game plan’s different, and I try to take it day-by-day, and each week’s a new week for me, for everybody. And I go out there with a clean slate and know that I have to earn it every day at practice. And we’ve had two good days, and practice execution becomes game reality.”

That mindset could be the difference. He feels ready for Atlanta. Now, it’s time to prove it on the field.