Mac Jones Opens Up About Toughness Amid Injury Recovery and 49ers' Win
Mac Jones secured his fourth win as the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback while filling in for the injured Brock Purdy.
Jones finished with 152 passing yards, no touchdowns, and one interception — statistically, perhaps his worst game as a 49er. But the numbers don’t tell the full story, as he leaned heavily on the run game and managed the offense effectively.
Mac Jones shares injury update
It’s worth noting that Jones entered Week 7 still nursing injuries. Despite not being at full strength, he continues to lead the 49ers to victories, stepping up in a turbulent stretch for the team.
With Brock Purdy’s recovery taking longer than expected, Jones’ ability to step up as a starter has been crucial in keeping the 49ers’ playoff hopes alive.
The good news is that Jones appears to be getting healthier with each passing week.
"Yeah. I definitely felt better. I still feel like there's some limitations, but to be honest, I'm working through it," Jones told reporters on Sunday.
"I felt a lot better this week and just being able to practice meant a lot to my confidence and all that stuff. And that's when you can work on things too and get back in shape and all that.
"So, I just hadn't practiced a lot prior to this week. So, glad to be back out there."
Mac Jones explains the mindset behind his toughness
As previously mentioned, Jones is still not fully healthy. But he’s a tough quarterback, and the 49ers made a smart move bringing him in during the offseason.
Trent Williams spoke about Mac Jones’ grit and determination to perform despite battling injuries. But Jones shared the mindset that drives him on the field.
"I've played with a lot of tough players and watched a lot of tough quarterbacks play in front of me, whether that was in college or whatever, and just learned it," Jones said.
"I think it rubs up on the team and I feel like if you're able to play and you can protect yourself, you should be out there. So that's what it's all about. Those guys are getting hit every play.
"So, they have it much worse than I do. They did a good job this evening keeping me upright and the only big hit I took was when I had to tackle the guy on the interception [laughs].
"So, other than that, I feel good. It is definitely part of my DNA though."
Packers’ Matt LaFleur focused on Steelers battle not Aaron Rodgers hype
Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, holding a 4-2 record, return to the national spotlight on Sunday night when they face Matt LaFleur’s 4-1-1 Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. Both squads enter the matchup atop their divisions, setting the stage for a high-stakes “Sunday Night Football” clash that could shape the course of their seasons.
A major storyline for the Steelers revolves around quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is preparing to face his former team for the first time. Green Bay selected Rodgers with the 24th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, and his matchup against the Packers adds extra intrigue to an already highly anticipated game.
However, LaFleur brushed aside the storylines surrounding the matchup, emphasizing that the focus isn’t on Green Bay going up against Rodgers but on preparing for the Pittsburgh Steelers as a whole, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.
“We’re playing the Pittsburgh Steelers, who happen to have Aaron Rodgers. It’s as simple as that,” remarked the Packers head coach.
Matt LaFleur focused on Packers-Steelers not Aaron Rodgers
“That is for you guys to talk about. Granted, I mean, we’ve got a lot of love and respect for Aaron. What he’s done here, I mean, he’s a Hall of Famer. And I know, like our past together, we had a lot of great moments, but this game is not about that. It’s about going to Pittsburgh, “Sunday Night Football,” our guys will be jacked up, their guys will be jacked up. It’s about the Green Bay Packers versus the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
LaFleur worked with Rodgers in Green Bay from 2019 through 2022 before the Packers dealt the veteran quarterback to the New York Jets in 2023 and officially began the Jordan Love era. Following two injury-plagued years in New York, Rodgers signed with the Steelers during the offseason and has since led them to an impressive 4-2 record to open the year.
Coming off their victory over the Cardinals, the Packers are focused on maintaining their level of play rather than getting caught up in the narratives surrounding Aaron Rodgers. Still, fans can’t help but feel the buzz of anticipation that comes with facing their former franchise quarterback.
Rodgers spent 18 years with the Packers, including 15 as the team’s starting quarterback, earning four MVP honors and leading Green Bay to a Super Bowl title in 2011.
