The San Francisco 49ers have benefited from quarterback Mac Jones stepping up after Brock Purdy’s injury, posting a solid 61.4 QBR. Still, the team has made it clear that Purdy will reclaim the starting QB role once healthy, a return head coach Kyle Shanahan expects soon.

Shanahan shared that the team is currently discussing Purdy’s potential return. He added that an official decision is expected to be announced by tomorrow. When asked if that return could happen this year, the coach had a positive response.

“Yeah, pretty confident we’ll see him this year,” the coach said, as Clayton Holloway shared on X.

Purdy has missed over four games this season due to a turf toe injury he suffered in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. Though he returned briefly in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he aggravated the injury and has been listed as week-to-week ever since.

So there’s a slight chance the 25-year-old could suit up for the game against the Los Angeles Rams. He might come off the bench behind Jones, or the team could get bold and start him. However, since he hasn’t been a full participant in practice yet, the 49ers might also decide to wait another week before putting him back on the field. The coach wants the QB to recover 100% before his return.

We’ll have to wait for the official announcement. But apart from Purdy, the 49ers are also dealing with several new injuries this week. Linebacker Dee Winters (knee injury) was added to the injury report after going from limited to not practicing.

Defensive tackle Kalia Davis is dealing with an ankle issue and was limited in practice. Defensive end Keion White also saw limited action due to a groin injury, while defensive tackle Alfred Collins was added to the report with a hip injury and did not practice.

It’s the defense that needs the most help, especially after defensive end Nick Bosa’s injury, and once again, it’s that side of the ball taking the biggest hit. Coach Shanahan will be hoping to have most of his players available this week.

As for the quarterback situation, it seems Shanahan is leaning toward being cautious with Purdy’s return while a controversy is making rounds.

Dan Orlovsky predicts a quarterback controversy in the 49ers

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes the 49ers could soon face a quarterback controversy. He pointed out that Jones has been outstanding in his seven starts. And he suggested that Jones’ strong play might create tension once Brock Purdy returns.

“There is a brewing quarterback controversy, competition, whatever you want [to call it], in San Francisco,” he said on ESPN’s Get Up.

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“He’s been knocked around, yet this team somehow, even with all those injuries, is still in the playoff race. It is because of the quarterback play. There’s a quarterback controversy brewing in San Francisco.”

Jones led the team to a 6-3 record across his 7 starts. He threw for 1,832 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Not to mention, this was amid a stretch of key injuries.

However, head coach Kyle Shanahan dismissed those rumors. He made it clear that while Jones has been impressive, Purdy will remain the team’s starting quarterback.

“I mean, this is Brock’s team,” he said. “If Brock’s good to go and everything, and can play like Brock, there’s no decision to be made.”

While Shanahan praised Jones for his strong performances, he made it clear he isn’t debating who will start once Purdy returns. The decision seems already settled.