Kyle Shanahan is staring down a tough reality. His star QB, Brock Purdy, is a “long shot” to play against the New Orleans Saints this Sunday. Purdy’s toe injury, combined with a sore left shoulder, has forced the team to prepare for life without its offensive leader. It’s a blow that hits hard right after an electrifying Week 1 win over Seattle. With 17 players already sidelined by injuries, the 49ers face a daunting task just a week into the season.

But they have Mac Jones to fill Purdy’s shoes. The former Patriots and Jaguars starter, now the 49ers’ backup, is the next man up. While Shanahan and the team have plenty of confidence in Jones, the HC didn’t sugarcoat the biggest concern: the guy isn’t Brock Purdy, especially when it comes to mobility.

“Obviously,

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