The 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams in overtime, moving to 4-1 on the season and into the first-place position in the NFC West. The evening was one for Mac Jones, who performed well again and looks poised to do it all in Week 6. Brock Purdy’s injuries have complicated the matter for the quarterback role for the team, so there is no question who Kyle Shanahan looks next.

We are all aware that Purdy has been battling turf toe since the season opener, and following a misstep against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, Shanahan confirmed the quarterback is still being observed every week. “He reaggrevated it. He’s week to week. Don’t know how it will heal, the 49ers head coach said. The quarterback has been unavailable for Weeks 2 and 3. He returned for the Week 4 matchup, but it triggered his injury, which resulted in his absence from the Rams game.

As per Ian Rapoport, Purdy was hit the same as he had been hit in Week 1 against Seattle in Jacksonville, and the flare happened as they confirmed via an MRI. Not practicing all week, Purdy’s status against Tampa Bay is uncertain, so Jones is the obvious starter from now on. However, Mac Jones is utilizing this opportunity in the best way possible. Shanahan didn’t leave much to the imagination when describing Jones’ play against the Rams. “He played his a– off,” he said. Well, the vomit episode tells it all.

“Was unbelievable in the first half. Got banged up in the second half and battled through it and protected the ball going against that defense. Throwing the ball that many times without having a turnover. I can’t say enough good things about Mac,” Shanahan said. However, with Jones, the major concern came when the cameras caught the quarterback dry heaving on the field during the extra period.

Despite the scare, his stat line was solid. Jones played for the third time this season, and once again, he performed, dictating the pace, keeping drives alive, and maintaining the offense balanced despite racking up injuries. Jones completed the night 33-of-49 for 342 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions, with a passer rating of 100.9.

Jones began the Rams game in rhythm, completing his first five throws on the opening series, and though he struggled through a scary knee and arm cramping, he never lost his temper. At one point, having been blindsided by linebacker Byron Young, Jones was treated by medical personnel. But he brushed aside the pain, jogged to the sideline, and came back to complete the game, an act that touched teammates and coaches.

Purdy, on the other hand, has not been able to remain healthy and in sync. Through two games in this season, he has completed 65.8 percent on 586 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions. Jones’ 66.7 percentage of completions, plus his football protection skills, are completely different.

Injuries are bound to occur within the NFL, but not every quarterback has reacted in the same manner as Jones did. With Shanahan’s praise ringing in their ears and Purdy sidelined, all signs point to Mac Jones to take the offense again in Week 6. But let’s not forget that Thursday night’s victory also raised San Francisco’s injury concerns.

Kyle Shanahan gave the 49ers’ injury updates

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan revealed as Kyle Posey posted on X, ”Kyle Shanahan said Upton Stout ended up leaving tonight’s game with an ankle injury. That’s why Chase Lucas was in.” Kyle Shananhan said that he’s unclear about the seriousness of the injury as of now, but will give a clear update on Friday.

He then updated that defensive tackle Kalia Davis suffered a broken hand and did not return to play, and his timeline will be further assessed on Friday. Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos also joined the growing list after he hamstrung himself, forcing him out for the remainder of the game.

Linebacker Dee Winters left briefly with a shoulder injury. However, he returned to play, giving at least some relief for a defense that was already getting sparse. The run of setbacks underscored how taxing the battle with the Rams proved to be, even in victory. And that roster crunch doesn’t stop there. The 49ers still need wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings, who are out due to injury.

The 49ers beat Los Angeles, but Shanahan’s post-game message was clear as day: the team rides Mac Jones until Brock Purdy comes back. Injuries have come in waves on the entire roster, and San Francisco will need all their mettle as they tries to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6.