Sports general assignment reporter/sports columnist

Jerry McDonald

Jerry McDonald is a Bay Area News Group sports general assignment writer and columnist for The Mercury News and East Bay Times with more than 40 years of experience. His duties include a concentration on the NFL and Major League Baseball. He graduated from San Jose State University with a BA degree in journalism.

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Expertise: Pro sports, including the NFL and MLB

Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers, right, and the Rams' Sean McVay have a history of postseason success.

Path to Super Bowl LX: Kyle Shanahan’s NFC playoff success gives 49ers a chance

December 26, 2025 at 10:14 a.m.

A look at the best coaches in the NFL currently seeded for the playoffs.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh (right) talks strategy with coach Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers.

Don’t expect 49ers DC Robert Saleh to jump at first head coaching job that comes his way

December 26, 2025 at 5:18 a.m.

49ers coach Robert Saleh will draw interest when the NFL coaching cycle begins at the close of the season.

San Francisco 49ers' Jake Tonges (88) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

If George Kittle can’t play, it’s Jake Tonges to the 49ers’ rescue — again

December 24, 2025 at 3:16 p.m.

You remember Tonges, the Los Gatos High and Cal product who filled in capably for Kittle when the 49ers' Hall of Fame-bound tight end was lost to a torn hamstring...

Brock Purdy (13) threw five touchdown passes Monday night in a 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.

49ers’ Brock Purdy outduels Rivers, Colts and puts NFL on notice

December 23, 2025 at 1:19 p.m.

This was Purdy at his dart-throwing best, completing 25 of 34 passes for 295 yards and five touchdowns, the first time any 49ers quarterback has ever done it on a...

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs in for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)

49ers-Colts live updates: Niners win fifth straight behind offensive outburst

December 22, 2025 at 8:33 p.m.

49ers' inactive list for Colts includes linebacker Curtis Robinson, running back Isaac Guerendo.

Coach Kyle Shanahan has the 49ers in the playoffs for the fifth time in 10 seasons.

49ers clinch playoff berth, courtesy of Pittsburgh’s win over Detroit

December 21, 2025 at 5:24 p.m.

The 49ers are back the postseason regardless of what happens in the last three games of the season.

Tatum Bethune (48) leaves the field after a 49ers' 20-10 win over Atlanta.

Ricky Pearsall is out for 49ers, but Tatum Bethune resumes role at middle linebacker against Colts

December 20, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

Tatum Bethune, Sam Okuayinonu are back for the 49ers and possibly defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos.

Philip Rivers (17) had a respectable showing for the Indianapolis Colts after not playing for five years in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

49ers expecting vintage Philip Rivers and not ‘Old Man Rivers’ vs. Colts

December 19, 2025 at 4:32 p.m.

Brock Purdy marvels at Philip Rivers coming back to start for Indianapolis after five years away.

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor points to the sky after scoring a touchdown in win the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Oct. 24, 2021.

49ers’ real mission isn’t stopping Colts’ Philip Rivers, it’s slowing Jonathan Taylor

December 18, 2025 at 4:52 p.m.

49ers gear up for Colts' Jonathan Taylor; Ricky Pearsall Jr. doesn't practice but Kyle Shanahan likes his chances to play Monday.

Josh Allen (17)_ of Buffalo could have the Bills in position to advance to Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.

Path to Super Bowl LX: Top QBs in race to Santa Clara are Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford

December 18, 2025 at 5:30 a.m.

Brock Purdy's play of late gives 49ers a shot at hosting the Super Bowl on Feb. 8

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