For most NFL teams, losing a starting quarterback to an injury for more than half of the season to date would spell disaster, and there'd be an understandable rush to get said starter back into the fray as soon as possible.
Not necessarily for Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers, though.
And they can thank Purdy's backup, Mac Jones, for that unexpected luxury.
Jones, who has started three of the Niners' five games in Purdy's stead this season, has been at the helm of three wins, completing two-thirds of his passes with six touchdowns against only one interception.
Needless to say, the 2021 first-round NFL Draft choice of the New England Patriots has found a way to stay hot in San Francisco, and the 49ers have no need now to try rushing Purdy back from the turf-toe injury that's been sidelining him in various ways since Week 2.
With an East Coast road trip in Week 6 against the 4-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the horizon, even more evidence suggests Jones will have yet another shot at keeping his hot streak going.
And that might not be a bad thing.
Latest Brock Purdy injury news points to Mac Jones getting the start vs. Buccaneers
Again, it'd be one thing if Jones was struggling in his first year under head coach Kyle Shanahan, but the exact opposite has been the case.
While this shouldn't open up the door for a serious quarterbacking controversy in the Bay Area (Purdy's $265 million offseason extension is reason alone to ignore one), the situation allows Shanahan and Co. to take their time with the franchise centerpiece's recovery, ensuring he isn't rushed back prematurely -- something the Niners arguably did when Purdy got the start in the Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Taking a pulse around the league, ESPN's Dan Graziano is getting the sense San Francisco is already leaning toward Jones getting the start in Week 6 against the Bucs, having reported:
"Neither Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring) nor 49ers QB Brock Purdy (toe) have been ruled out for their respective teams' Week 6 games, and Jackson in particular has been lobbying to get back on the field before it gets too late for the 1-4 Ravens. But after checking in on both of those situations early in the week, I'd be surprised if either plays in Week 6. Baltimore is off in Week 7 and could seize the opportunity to give Jackson another couple of weeks to heal. The Niners brought Purdy back from the injury in Week 4 and he had a setback, so they'll likely be more cautious this time, especially with backup Mac Jones playing so well."
Fans will have to wait and see what the 49ers do with Purdy in practices leading up to Sunday's contest.
But, even if Purdy is participating, Jones may well be favored to get the start in a battle between two one-loss squads.
Especially in light of how well QB2 has played over three starts already.