Mac Jones returns after 49ers QB appears to hurt his left knee against Rams

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones was able to return after appearing to hurt his left knee in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night.

Jones took a blind-side hit from Rams linebacker Byron Young on third-and-goal midway through the third quarter with the 49ers leading 17-7. He was already wearing a brace on the knee and grabbed at it while down on the turf.

But after appearing to be in significant pain, Jones — who had been limping earlier in the drive — eventually popped back up and jogged off the field.

Jones returned to the bench, where he reviewed video on a tablet while trainers attended to him. He tested his mobility on the sideline and came back in following a touchdown drive by the Rams that got them within 20-14.

Jones was making his third start of the season because of a turf toe injury to Brock Purdy, San Francisco’s $265 million incumbent, and was playing exceedingly well, throwing two touchdown passes to help the 49ers build a 20-7 lead.

With Purdy out, the 49ers’ remaining option at quarterback would be Adrian Martinez, who spent last season on the New York Jets’ practice squad and has never thrown a pass in an NFL game. He played four seasons at Nebraska before finishing his college career at Kansas State in 2022.

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