Mac Jones Reportedly Likely to Start for 49ers vs. Bucs amid Brock Purdy Toe Injury

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones will "likely" start under center during a matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, according to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz.

Jones has already started three games this year in place of Brock Purdy, who has been hampered by a toe injury to open his 2025 campaign.

Purdy suffered the injury in Week 1, missing San Francisco's next two games as a result. While he returned in Week 4, he experienced soreness after the game before an MRI revealed that he aggravated the toe issue.

Purdy didn't participate in practice on Wednesday or Thursday, casting doubt on his availability against Tampa Bay.

The 49ers still sit at 4-1 this season partially due to Jones, who has done an admirable job filling in at quarterback. San Francisco has won all three of his starts in 2025.

Jones has completed 66.7 percent of his throws for 905 yards and six touchdowns compared to just one interception. His 66.7 QBR ranks No. 10 among 32 qualified quarterbacks, via ESPN.

The former first-round pick is also battling health issues, as he was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to knee and oblique injuries.

Assuming Jones is able to recover in time for the matchup with the Buccaneers, he appears to be headed towards another start.

He'll look to stay sharp against a Tampa Bay squad that owns the NFL's No. 23 scoring defense this year, giving up 26.4 points per game.

Kickoff between the Buccaneers and 49ers on Sunday is at 4:25 p.m. ET.