49ers start Mac Jones at QB as Purdy out, Kittle activated

The San Francisco 49ers will be without starting quarterback Brock Purdy for Sunday night’s home game against the Atlanta Falcons, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Saturday, handing the start to Mac Jones as the club activates tight end George Kittle from injured reserve ahead of the Week 7 matchup at Levi’s Stadium. The moves come as the 49ers continue to manage a swelling list of injuries that have reshaped their roster and game plans this season.

Purdy was ruled out after a limited week of practice as he works through a lingering turf toe injury. Shanahan described Purdy as more limited than Jones and said the team is not willing to risk a relapse by rushing him back. Jones, who will make his fifth start of the season, has gone 3-1 in relief and leads the NFL in passing yards per game, though he struggled in last week’s 30-19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, throwing no touchdowns and two interceptions. “So I’m going to be out there if I can and I know my team needs me,” Jones said after practice.

Kittle, who tore a hamstring in the season opener and missed five games, returned to practice this week and was activated Saturday. Shanahan said Kittle will play and will not be on a...