Who Should I Start? Mac Jones or J.J. McCarthy

Thursday, June 25, 10:29 AM

San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones (shoulder), who was sidelined with a sore right shoulder during the team's spring program, threw passes during Tuesday's session at Tight End University, which is run by 49ers tight end George Kittle, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Jones kept the Niners' offense afloat last year with Brock Purdy missing extended time due to a foot injury. The 27-year-old former 15th overall pick by the New England Patriots in 2021 out of the University of Alabama completed a career-high 69.6% of his pass attempts for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 11 games played (eight starts) in his first year in the Bay Area. All signs point to Jones being a full-go for the start of training camp at the end of July. After a strong 2025 season, teams had interest in trading for Jones, but the Niners put an exorbitant price tag on his head and appear ready to run it back with him as QB insurance for the injury-prone Purdy. Obviously, Jones won't have much fantasy appeal in 2026 unless Purdy misses more time due to injuries.