The San Francisco 49ers took a disappointing loss, 42-26, at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams, but the post-game chatter wasn’t all about the score. The backup quarterback, Mac Jones, is filling in for Brock Purdy because he is out with a turf toe injury. Following the loss, Jones didn’t mince words regarding his contract with the 49ers and why he came to the Bay to re-find his love for football.

”It was what was presented to me, and I wanted to get back to having fun playing football,” Jones said afterward. His words spoke to a player with calm and direction, content with where he is and what he’s building in this second act.

Jones inked a two-year, $8.41 million deal with the 49ers back in March that included a $2.14 million signing bonus and a guarantee of $4.75 million, bringing his average annual salary to $4.2 million.

If he had reached the free-agent market next year, several teams likely would have been interested in him. But for Jones, San Francisco represented something more than opportunity — stability. ”Today wasn’t as much, obviously,” he continued. ”I wanted to get around a good organization that believes in its players. The future will take care of itself.”

Even in the loss, Jones’ individual performance nonetheless ranked among his finest since becoming a 49er. He completed 33 of 39 passes for 319 yards, threw three touchdowns, and finished with a 115.7 passer rating, his second-highest mark of his season.

The reporters also asked him about his future, especially with uncertainty regarding Purdy’s return. “I really just try to take it day by day, and I set goals out for myself this year to be ready to play when my number was called, and I’ve got to continue to do that,” he said.

His addition to the 49ers has been very fruitful, not only for the franchise but for him personally. Under Shanahan’s system, he gets to learn more about precision, timing, and situational awareness. Jones said, ”I’ve just been really fortunate to be here this year, and I want to just try and find ways to win games for us. That’s all I’m here to do.”

The 49ers camp still has faith in itself that it can qualify from here. Jones’ consistency has helped the team stay afloat during Purdy’s absence. But when is the 25-year-old expected to return?

Kyle Shanahan on Purdy’s return

While Jones has done his part admirably, all eyes are now on Brock Purdy’s return, a storyline that could reshape the 49ers’ season once again. Head coach Kyle Shanahan gave an encouraging update following the Week 10 loss, letting it be known that Purdy “has a real chance to play next week.”

Purdy has been out since Week 4 with a turf toe injury that worsened after an early-season return attempt, and the 49ers have been conservative with his recovery.

”He could have gone, definitely,” Shanahan said via 49ers Webzone. ”I just decided to hold him, not put him in that situation. I do believe he’s closer and further along than what he was at that time, so hopefully, he’ll have a chance this week.”

Shanahan’s comments indicate that the team’s patience is beginning to pay dividends, and the star quarterback may be medically cleared in time for the upcoming clash against the Arizona Cardinals.

Purdy’s absence since Week 4 has served only to punctuate exactly how important he is to the 49ers’ offensive identity. His efficiency, quick release, and chemistry with playmakers provide the key components of Shanahan’s playbook.

However, his injury did open the door for Jones to prove that the 49ers have depth and adaptability at the quarterback position-a luxury most teams don’t have. Assuming Purdy gets the green light, he would be expected to take back the starting job in Arizona next Sunday.