The San Francisco 49ers are facing significant challenges at the quarterback position as injuries impact their roster. Starting QB Brock Purdy has been sidelined since Week 1 due to injuries affecting his left shoulder and toe.
Backup QB Mac Jones is currently struggling with a knee injury he sustained during a Week 3 victory against the Arizona Cardinals. As a result, Head Coach Kyle Shanahan announced that both quarterbacks will have limited participation in practice this week.
Current Situation for the 49ers
As of Wednesday, Shanahan indicated that Purdy is in better condition than he was previously, but he did not guarantee that Purdy would be available for the upcoming home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 49ers, who remain undefeated with a 3-0 record, are now considering their options if both Purdy and Jones are unable to play.
Potential Quarterback Replacement
If both quarterbacks miss the game, the 49ers are likely to promote Adrian Martinez from the practice squad. Martinez, a former standout at Nebraska and Kansas State, has had a notable career in the United Football League (UFL), where he was named MVP and UFL Championship MVP in 2024.
- Injury Status: Purdy – Shoulder/Toe; Jones – Knee
- Last Game Performance: Purdy – 26-of-35 passing for 277 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs in Week 1
- Martinez Background: Previous teams – Detroit Lions, New York Jets; Signed with 49ers in August
Despite his achievements in the UFL, Martinez has yet to throw a pass in the NFL regular season and has struggled to find a foothold in the league. Shanahan has commented on the practice situation, indicating that while Martinez will see some snaps, he will not be taking the majority of first-team reps.
Best-Case Scenario for 49ers
The ideal outcome for the 49ers would be the return of either Purdy or Jones to full health. Purdy has shown significant potential, while Jones has proven to be a reliable substitute, winning both of his starts with four touchdown passes. The team hopes that by Sunday, they will have one of their primary quarterbacks ready to lead them against the Jaguars.
Ultimately, the 49ers must effectively address the QB emergency plan and prepare for the possible scenario of starting a yet inexperienced Adrian Martinez, a situation that could significantly impact their season going forward.
