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The San Francisco 49ers were without starting quarterback Brock Purdy for a seventh game in nine contests when Purdy missed Sunday's matchup at the New York Giants due to a lingering toe injury. Backup Mac Jones ultimately improved to 5-2 as the 49ers' fill-in QB1 when he helped the club earn a 34-24 win over the Giants that improved San Francisco to 6-3 on the season. Following that victory, Jones spoke with NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated about the 49ers surviving yet another injury crisis. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has instilled right culture for 49ers to handle adversity "It starts with the culture, for sure," Jones said. "[Head coach Kyle Shanahan], the way he sets the table for the team, he wants to develop everybody — from undrafted rookies to fifth-year quarterbacks on their third team. He wants everyone to be great. That’s what it’s all about. Kyle just does a great job, defense, too, and special teams, everybody has a system. And when you have a system you believe in and it works, these are the results." Jones was first linked with the 49ers ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft, and the 27-year-old signed with San Francisco months before the club locked Purdy down via a five-year, $265M contract extension that included $181M in guarantees and a no-trade clause this past offseason. Since Week 1, the Niners have lost linebacker Fred Warner and star pass-rusher Nick Bosa to campaign-ending injuries. Meanwhile, Purdy may not fully recover from his issue until the upcoming offseason. Mac Jones is having fun with the 49ers Despite his record, there's no indication that Jones will remain Shanahan's starter once it's determined that Purdy can resume playing. As of Monday morning, it was unclear if Purdy will be available for San Francisco's Nov. 9 home game versus the Los Angeles Rams (6-2) that could prove to be massive regarding the battle for the NFC West title. The Niners beat the Rams in Week 5. "It’s so fun," Jones added about featuring for the 49ers. "I enjoy the games, but I really enjoy the practices, to be honest. Obviously, game day, you are locked in, and we’re winning. But all the real fun work comes during the week. We’re out there having fun, dancing and executing our plays, bringing the energy. I really enjoy the locker room, the plane ride, all the little things we talk about before the game." At this point, it's fair to wonder if the 49ers will keep having fun whenever Purdy makes his expected return to the lineup.
