It seems surreal that the San Francisco 49ers are already dealing with so many injuries to key players. This seemingly happens every season, but this time around, it has come way too early. Despite eeking out a road victory against the Seattle Seahawks, the Niners lost Brock Purdy and George Kittle to multi-week injuries, while Jauan Jennings and Trent Williams got banged up as well.
Purdy being out is obviously the biggest loss, as quarterback is the most important position on the field. Thankfully, the 49ers brought in a competent backup in the offseason. Mac Jones, formerly with the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars, will be under center for San Francisco in Week 2. In a way, this will be a full circle moment for Jones and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Kyle Shanahan strongly considered drafting Mac Jones 3rd overall in 2021 NFL Draft
Back in 2021, the 49ers owned the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft. They were coming off of a 6-10 season, one year after losing Super Bowl LIV to the Kansas City Chiefs. Jimmy Garoppolo struggled mightily with injuries and actual play, forcing the Niners to look strongly at drafting a quarterback.
It was considered a strong quarterback class at the top, so general manager John Lynch made a bold move: he traded up to No. 3 overall a month before the draft even began. Then the rumors began flying about who the 49ers wanted to fall to them at the third pick.
Reports emerged that Shanahan, and Lynch, really liked Jones. But the potential of Trey Lance due to his mobility intrigued both the head coach and GM, particularly because Garoppolo was a very immobile player. The Niners ended up going with Lance, and it ended up being a disaster.
Now, four years later, Shanahan will get to prove possibly himself right. With Jones under his watchful eye, the head coach can right the wrongs of his previous self. If Jones plays well in Shanahan’s system, it could lead to fans wondering if he should have been the pick over Lance from the get-go.
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