NEW ORLEANS -- - Mac Jones threw for 279 yards and a career-high-tying three touchdowns, and the banged-up San Francisco 49ers defeated the rebuilding New Orleans Saints 26-21 on Sunday.

Pressed into service this week because of a toe injury to Brock Purdy , Jones had his best game since Week 1 of the 2023 season, when the former Alabama star played for New England and threw for 316 yards and three TDs against Philadelphia. It was Jones' second career game with as many as three touchdowns and more than 250 yards passing.

Jones' scoring passes went for 11 yards to Luke Farrell , 7 yards to Christian McCaffrey and 42 yards to Jauan Jennings - the last giving the Niners a 26-14 lead in the fourth quarter.

For the fourth time since 2019, the 49ers (2-0) have begun a regular sea

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