In a strategic move ahead of their Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, the San Francisco 49ers have made significant roster adjustments to compensate for injuries to key players. With starting quarterback Brock Purdy sidelined by a toe injury and tight end George Kittle out with a hamstring issue, the 49ers elevated quarterback Adrian Martinez and tight end Brayden Willis from the practice squad to bolster their lineup. Additionally, the team promoted linebacker Curtis Robinson to the 53-man roster while waiving defensive end Robert Beal Jr. to create space. These changes signal a calculated effort to maintain depth and flexibility as they face a formidable Saints team.
With only one active quarterback, Mac Jones, on the 53-man roster, the 49ers turned to Adrian Martinez to fill the critical backup role. Martinez, who will wear No. 4, was signed to the practice squad on August 27 after reserve quarterbacks Tanner Mordecai and Carter Bradley suffered injuries in the final preseason game. The 25-year-old Clovis West High School product brings a wealth of experience, having played college football at Nebraska and Kansas State before going undrafted in 2023. Martinez spent last season on the New York Jets’ practice squad and earned MVP honors in the 2024 United Football League (UFL) championship game with the Birmingham Stallions.
Martinez expressed confidence in his readiness, stating, “I think that’s part of my job. You have to be [confident]. You go in preparing. I did the same thing last week. I think that’s the job of an NFL quarterback, whether you’re the starter or the third-string guy on the practice squad.” His extensive playing time in the UFL and this year’s preseason has prepared him to step into the 49ers’ complex offensive system if called upon. Head coach Kyle Shanahan praised Martinez’s poise, noting, “He has command of the huddle, doesn’t get nervous out there. I like how he carries himself.”
Martinez’s familiarity with high-pressure situations, combined with a strong recommendation from 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh (formerly head coach of the Jets), positions him as a reliable option behind Jones, who will make his 50th career start in Purdy’s absence.
In addition to Martinez, the 49ers elevated tight end Brayden Willis to serve as the third-string tight end behind starter Luke Farrell and backup Jake Tonges. With George Kittle ruled out, Willis’s elevation ensures depth at a critical position. Meanwhile, the promotion of linebacker Curtis Robinson to the active roster adds defensive reinforcement, while the decision to waive Robert Beal Jr. reflects the team’s need to prioritize immediate needs.
The 49ers also face uncertainty at wide receiver, with Jauan Jennings listed as questionable due to a shoulder injury. While Jennings is expected to play, a late decision to deactivate him could thrust rookie Jordan Watkins into his NFL debut. The team’s other active receivers include Ricky Pearsall, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, and newly signed veteran Kendrick Bourne. Notably, the 49ers opted not to elevate practice squad receiver Russell Gage, signaling confidence in their current group despite the injury concerns.
These roster moves underscore the 49ers’ adaptability in the face of adversity. Martinez’s dual-threat capability as a passer and runner could add an unpredictable element to the offense if he sees the field. His UFL experience, where he excelled in both passing and running, aligns well with Shanahan’s dynamic offensive scheme. Meanwhile, Willis’s presence ensures the team maintains its two-tight-end formations, a staple of their playbook, even without Kittle. Robinson’s promotion strengthens the linebacker corps, which will be crucial against the Saints’ versatile offensive attack.
The decision not to elevate Gage suggests the 49ers are banking on their active receivers, particularly Bourne’s veteran savvy and Pearsall’s emerging talent, to carry the load. However, Jennings’s status remains a wildcard that could shift the game plan if he is unable to play.
The 49ers’ last-minute roster adjustments reflect a calculated power play to mitigate the impact of injuries to Purdy and Kittle. By elevating Martinez and Willis and promoting Robinson, San Francisco has prioritized depth and versatility. As they prepare to face the Saints, these moves could prove pivotal in maintaining offensive and defensive stability. With Mac Jones leading the charge and Martinez ready to step in, the 49ers are positioned to adapt and compete in what promises to be a hard-fought battle.