Jones starts for 49ers with Purdy out in 30-19 loss to Buccaneers

Mac Jones started at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in place of the injured Brock Purdy but could not prevent a 30-19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ending Jones's three-game winning streak as San Francisco's starter. Purdy was ruled out with a lingering toe injury, and Jones entered the game after being listed as questionable with knee and oblique issues.

Jones completed 27 of 39 passes for 347 yards, but two interceptions and six sacks contributed to the defeat. A miscommunication on the 49ers third snap resulted in a tipped pass that Tampa Bay cornerback Kindle Vildor returned to set up the game's opening touchdown. Later, a fourth-and-five deep throw intended for San Francisco failed to connect and was intercepted by Jamel Dean at the Buccaneers 14, sealing the momentum for Tampa Bay. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Jones "did some good things today" but added the offense made too many mistakes collectively, singling out the final interception as a tough break.

The loss followed Jones's strong run filling in for Purdy this season. Before Sunday, Jones had won his first three starts for the 49ers, completing 66.7 percent of his passes for 905 yards, six...