The 49ers' quarterback situation is anything but settled, and a key defensive player is inching closer to a return – here's the latest injury report as they prepare to face the Buccaneers.
The San Francisco 49ers have completed an extended week of preparation, benefiting from a bye week and an extra practice session on Monday, and have now released their official injury report ahead of their Week 6 clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team is navigating some significant questions on both sides of the ball as they gear up for the trip to Tampa Bay this Friday.
The biggest storyline, of course, revolves around quarterback Mac Jones. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has designated Jones as questionable for Sunday’s game. This means there’s a 50/50 chance he’ll be able to play, and the team, along with President of Football Operations and General Manager John Lynch, are cautiously optimistic about his availability. Lynch recently shared on KNBR that the team is feeling “pretty good about where he’s going to be at,” suggesting Jones is making positive strides. He also highlighted Jones’s resilience in powering through last week’s victory against the Los Angeles Rams, emphasizing his continued progress. It’s worth noting that 'questionable' doesn't necessarily mean a player won't play, but rather that their participation is uncertain right up until game time.
But here's where it gets controversial… the reliance on a potentially less-than-100% quarterback raises questions about the team’s strategy. Is it worth risking further injury to Jones, or should they prioritize his long-term health, even if it means a less competitive showing this Sunday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
There’s encouraging news on the defensive front, too. Safety Malik Mustapha has been officially cleared to return from Injured Reserve, opening a 21-day window for him to practice with the team. This is a significant step for the second-year player, who has been diligently working his way back from ACL surgery performed in January. Mustapha was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice – his first since the surgery – and has expressed confidence in his readiness to play. While currently listed as questionable, his continued progress suggests a potential debut in the 2025 season is within reach, and he could very well see the field this Sunday.
At the wide receiver position, the team is monitoring the recovery of both Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings. Unfortunately, Pearsall (knee) hasn’t yet returned to practice and won’t be available for the Buccaneers game. Jennings (ankle, ribs), however, is showing positive signs. He was initially a non-participant in Wednesday’s session but has been limited in practice on both Thursday and Friday, indicating improvement. His status remains questionable, but this upward trend is a good sign for his chances of playing.
And this is the part most people miss… the impact of a fully healthy receiving corps on the 49ers’ offensive capabilities. With Pearsall sidelined, the pressure falls even more heavily on Jennings and other receivers to step up and provide a consistent threat.
Finally, quarterback Brock Purdy continues his recovery from a toe injury and remains sidelined. The team is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing a complete recovery before rushing him back into action. They want to ensure he’s fully healthy and capable of performing at his best before he returns to the field. This conservative strategy, while frustrating for fans eager to see their star quarterback back in action, underscores the team’s commitment to his long-term well-being.
What do you think about the 49ers’ handling of the quarterback situation? Do you agree with the cautious approach to Purdy’s injury, or should they consider playing him even if he’s not 100%? Share your opinions in the comments below!
