Kyle Shanahan Reveals Mac Jones Played Through Shoulder Pain for 49ers – Courageous Fighting Spirit Earns Team's Admiration, But Worries Coach Amid San Francisco's "Injury Storm"

Houston, Texas – October 27, 2025

Right after the 15–26 loss to the Houston Texans, head coach Kyle Shanahan stunned the media by revealing that quarterback Mac Jones played the full 60 minutes with right shoulder pain, refusing to leave the field despite being advised to rest. This revelation not only earned fans' admiration but also worried Coach Shanahan about the personnel situation being ravaged by an "injury storm" at the San Francisco 49ers.

According to Shanahan, Jones experienced mild pain in his right shoulder during the final practice before the game but insisted he was “fine” and ready to play. However, after a hard hit in the second half, the pain became evident. Still, Jones refused to sit out, telling the coach briefly:

“I’ll keep going. I can’t leave my guys now.”

Despite the pain, Mac Jones completed 30/39 passes (76.9%), threw 2 touchdowns, and had only 1 interception, helping the 49ers maintain the game against the Texans' high-pressure defense. He still threw accurately on play-action, orchestrating the game with high focus, though noticeably limited on deep balls due to the right shoulder issue.

Coach Shanahan shared emotionally:

“Mac is the embodiment of fighting spirit. He was really in pain, but not a single complaint. The whole team saw that and respected it. However, I have to be honest that it also worries me – because we’ve already lost too many players to injuries.”

In reality, the 49ers are going through a tough period with a series of key players sidelined, including Brock Purdy (turf toe), Deebo Samuel (groin), and Dre Greenlaw (knee). Mac Jones' effort helped keep the team's spirit strong, but Shanahan admitted he “must be more careful” to avoid losing more personnel.

A source from 49ers.com said Jones' shoulder injury is not serious, and he will be further evaluated in the next 24 hours. If recovery goes well, Mac Jones could continue starting in the game against the New York Giants next week.

When asked about the decision to play through pain, Jones simply smiled:

“I always say – if I can still stand, I’ll fight. I do it not for the score, but for this team.”

With that spirit, despite the loss in Houston, Mac Jones still won the hearts of his teammates and San Francisco fans – a symbol of resilience as the team bends under the injury storm.