Mac Jones held down the fort for two weeks as Brock Purdy dealt with an injury. He led the 49ers to two straight wins to keep the team undefeated heading into Week 4. His time may be up as Brock Purdy could return to the field.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter said he wouldn’t be surprised if Purdy returned this week. If he does, it impacts a plethora of players, including Ricky Pearsall.
The second-year wide receiver has 281 yards and zero touchdowns on 16-of-24 targets through three weeks. He’ll easily surpass his 2024 totals of 400 yards, three touchdowns and 31 receptions if he stays healthy. The debate is whether he’s a must-start in fantasy football if Purdy returns in Week 4.
Pearsall is a must-start without question. Although he hasn’t scored yet, he is third in the NFL in receiving yards. With so many injuries to the 49ers’ offense, he’s stepped up in a major way.
Two of the three games have been with Jones under center, but this early success from Pearsall isn’t because of Jones’ success. Pearsall also posted 108 yards on 4-of-7 targets in Week 1 with Purdy starting.
Purdy is the better quarterback and will keep looking Pearsall’s way with George Kittle, Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk injured. Even if Jennings returns this week, Pearsall should be the top wide receiver on the team.