why is mac jones starting

Mac Jones is starting for the San Francisco 49ers because the team's primary quarterback, Brock Purdy, is dealing with a toe injury that has sidelined him for multiple games. Jones stepped in as the backup and has impressively led the 49ers to a 3-0 record in his starts this season, including a 26-23 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite Jones' strong performance and the team thriving under his leadership, he has downplayed any quarterback controversy, emphasizing that Purdy remains the starter and that his role is to back him up and help the team win while Purdy recovers. Jones has benefited from the coaching of Kyle Shanahan, which has helped him thrive in a system suited to his skills, after previous struggles in New England and Jacksonville. The team's injuries to key players have also made Jones' contributions particularly valuable during this period.