Santa Clara, CA – October 11, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for another week without their starting quarterback. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Mac Jones will once again start in place of
Brock Purdy, who remains sidelined with a lingering turf toe injury on his right foot. The 49ers are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6.
Purdy, who missed last week’s overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams, has made progress but is still not ready for game action. The team hopes to have him back by Week 7 if recovery continues as planned. His absence means Jones will get a second straight opportunity to command the offense — a chance to further prove his growth since joining the team this offseason.
Jones played efficiently in his first start, completing 21 of 30 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown. Despite minor discomfort in his oblique and knee, Shanahan said the quarterback
“looked composed and made good decisions,” and that he earned another week as the starter.
The 49ers will, however, be without rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who was ruled out with a knee injury suffered during Wednesday’s practice. His absence could open more opportunities for Jauan Jennings and Danny Gray, with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk expected to shoulder a heavier workload in the passing game.
San Francisco’s offensive depth has been tested all season, with injuries across multiple positions, but the coaching staff remains confident in the group’s resilience. “It’s next man up — that’s how this team operates,”
Shanahan said. “We trust whoever steps on that field.”
As the 49ers aim to improve their 4–1 record, the spotlight now turns to Jones, who has a chance to solidify his place as one of the league’s most dependable backup quarterbacks — and perhaps spark new competition at the position once Purdy returns.
Stay tuned to ESPN!
BREAKING: Former NFL QB Stabbed in Indianapolis — 49ers Lead League in Prayers for His Recovery
Indianapolis, IN – October 4, 2025
Former NFL quarterback and current FOX Sports analyst
Mark Sanchez was reportedly stabbed in Indianapolis late Thursday night while in town to cover the upcoming Colts vs. Raiders game. The incident shocked the football world and sent waves of concern through NFL circles — including the San Francisco 49ers, who paused team activities Friday morning to offer prayers for Sanchez’s safety and recovery.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to a call around 12:30 a.m. regarding a disturbance downtown. Upon arrival, they found two men injured — one of whom was later identified as Sanchez. He was rushed to a nearby hospital with multiple stab wounds. Police described the incident as “isolated” and confirmed that one individual was detained for questioning.
Early reports from TMZ and People indicated that Sanchez was in critical condition immediately after the attack, but FOX Sports later confirmed that he is now in stable condition and receiving treatment surrounded by family and colleagues.
Witnesses told local news outlets that the altercation appeared to begin as a verbal argument before escalating into violence. The Indianapolis Police have not released the identity of the second victim, and the investigation remains ongoing.
News of the attack spread quickly through the league. At the 49ers’ practice facility in Santa Clara, head coach Kyle Shanahan led a team moment of silence and prayer for Sanchez before morning meetings. A team representative said,
“The entire 49ers organization is praying for Mark’s safety and full recovery. He’s part of our football family — we’re all standing with him.”
Sanchez, 38, was a first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft and spent eight seasons in the league, most notably with the
New York Jets, where he led back-to-back AFC Championship Game runs. In recent years, he’s become a respected analyst for FOX Sports, known for his humor, insight, and leadership off the field.
As the investigation continues, the NFL community remains united in support. Messages from players, coaches, and fans have flooded social media under the hashtag #PrayForMarkSanchez, turning what began as a shocking headline into a moment of shared compassion across the league.
For now, the priority is clear — recovery, healing, and hope that one of football’s familiar faces makes a full and safe return.
