As Mac Jones prepares to make his 49ers debut on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco’s backup quarterback’s spirits are high.
The veteran signal-caller explained how the extensive reps he received during OTAs and training camp has him calm, cool and collected heading into the 49ers’ matchup with the Saints.
“I feel good. Obviously, was fortunate to get a lot of reps in OTAs and training camp, which they do a great job here giving everybody reps,” Jones told reporters Friday. “So, it’s in the front side of the season here, and I feel prepared. I’ve been working for this and fortunate to have started, I think this is my 50th game in the NFL, so I have my routine down, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
One of the silver linings to San Francisco’s current injury crisis is Jones having the ability to throw to a number of familiar faces with backups littering the 49ers’ offense’s starting spots entering Week 2. While working together with the second-string unit during the offseason, Jones was able to build a rapport with a number of skill-position players who likely will see significant action in the Big Easy on Sunday.
That includes former Jacksonville Jaguars teammate Luke Farrell, who figures to fill in for George Kittle while the All-Pro tight end is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
“Yeah, that’s a great point, and [TE] Luke [Farrell] in that tight end room too I played with last year. So, definitely have a lot of experience throwing to a lot of different guys throughout the season and OTAs, like you said, with injuries, so it’s been good,” Jones said. “With this offense, you obviously want to find your rhythm, stick with your footwork and your timing, the guys rotate in and out, but you’re getting good work. Whether that’s OTAs or training camp. So definitely feel confident with the guys we have, the line, the backs and everybody. Obviously a great defense, so looking forward to the challenge.”
Jones also has inspired confidence in his teammates, who have raved about the veteran quarterback’s ability and personality.
“Mac Jones has been great,” right guard Dominick Puni told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan. “We love Mac Jones as an offense, and as a team. He’s just a dude. He comes into the training room, the locker room and chats with all of us. He loves hanging out with the O-line and I think that’s awesome. I can’t wait to play with him.
“He’s just one of the guys. He’s a funny dude. He’s always locked in. He goes out in practice and just spins the ball perfectly, always throwing spirals all the time. He’s just a great guy and someone you would want in your corner.”
Jones has plenty of experience under his belt handling QB1 duties, starting 49 games in his four-year NFL career. He appeared in 10 games during the 2024 season for the Jacksonville Jaguars, completing 65.3 percent of his passes.
Now in a 49ers offense that historically has elevared quarterback play under Kyle Shanahan’s watch, Jones has a chance to rewrite the narrative around his career and it all starts with Sunday’s showdown in New Orleans.
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