Mac Jones’ Mysterious Knee Injury Sends Shockwaves as 49ers Surge to Unstoppable 20-7 Lead

Mac Jones, already hobbling on a knee brace and riding a wave of cautious optimism, found himself on the receiving end of some brutal hits that had me holding my breath. A fierce blow from Jared Verse during a 10-yard connection to Kendrick Bourne left him limping, visibly grimacing in pain just moments later as he handed off to Christian McCaffrey. Then, just as tensions mounted near the goal line, Byron Young’s full weight came crashing down on Jones, sparking controversy over a missed roughing the passer call that rules analyst Terry McAuley thinks officials blew big time. The 49ers’ signal-caller stayed down clutching his left knee, the clock ticking at 6:36 in the third quarter — a scene no fan wants to witness. Meanwhile, Adrian Martinez looms behind the scenes, ready if needed. With Brock Purdy sidelined due to a toe injury, Jones’ performance—18-of-28 for 214 yards and two touchdowns—is crucial as the 49ers edge out a 20-7 lead, even as the Rams falter with a missed 53-yard attempt. The game’s drama is thick, and every moment counts here. LEARN MORE

Mac Jones has been on the injury report with a knee injury for the past two weeks. He took a hard hit from Jared Verse on a 10-yard pass to Kendrick Bourne in the third quarter. The 49ers quarterback limped all the way down the field and then was in obvious pain on the next play when he pitched the ball to Christian McCaffrey.

Four plays later, on third-and-goal, Byron Young knocked Jones to the ground on an incompletion and landed on him. Rules analyst Terry McAuley said officials should have penalized Young for roughing the passer for landing his full body weight on Jones.

Jones remained on the ground, grabbing his left knee, with 6:36 remaining in the third quarter.

Jones, who is playing with a knee brace, jogged off the field as his teammates greeting him once he reached the sideline.

Adrian Martinez is the backup.

Jones is starting in place of Brock Purdy, who is missing his third game of the season with a toe injury. He is 18-of-28 for 214 yards and two touchdowns.

The 49ers lead 20-7, getting a 20-yard Eddy Piniero field goal after Jones’ injury.

The Rams missed a 53-yard field goal on their first drive of the second half, with Joshua Karty kicking it wide right.