The San Francisco 49ers are grappling with a quarterback crisis as they head into Week 6 of the NFL season, with injuries sidelining key players and forcing the team to explore external options. With starter Brock Purdy ruled out for his fourth game this season due to a persistent turf toe injury and backup Mac Jones listed as questionable after getting banged up in a Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Rams, the 49ers are thin at the position. Rookie Kurtis Rourke is also working his way back from an injury, leaving Adrian Martinez as the only fully healthy quarterback on the roster. In response, head coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers have been proactive, recently working out several quarterbacks, including a familiar name who could serve as a secret weapon: Desmond Ridder.
A Quarterback in Need
The 49ers’ quarterback room has been hit hard by injuries. Brock Purdy, the team’s starting quarterback, has been sidelined by turf toe, missing multiple games this season, including the upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mac Jones, who has been filling in admirably, sustained an injury in Week 5 and is questionable for Week 6. With rookie Kurtis Rourke still recovering, the team is left relying on Adrian Martinez, a recent addition who has yet to take an NFL regular-season snap but earned UFL MVP honors in 2024 while leading the Birmingham Stallions to a championship.
Desmond Ridder: A Potential Solution
Amid these uncertainties, the 49ers brought in former Atlanta Falcons starter Desmond Ridder for a workout, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Ridder, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has had a winding journey through the league. He first gained prominence at Cincinnati, where he led the Bearcats to become the first Group of Five program to earn a College Football Playoff berth. In his rookie season with the Falcons, Ridder started four games, showing flashes of potential. However, his 2023 season as Atlanta’s full-time starter was inconsistent, with 12 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a 6-7 record.
Ridder’s tenure with the Falcons ended when he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals ahead of the 2024 season. He didn’t see regular-season action in Arizona and was later claimed off their practice squad by the Las Vegas Raiders. Ridder started one game for the Raiders as an injury replacement but lost to his former team, the Falcons. This offseason, Ridder’s journey continued with brief stints at the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings, where he signed after J.J. McCarthy’s injury but was released last week.
Why Ridder Fits
While Ridder’s NFL career hasn’t yet lived up to expectations, his experience as a starter and his familiarity with high-pressure situations make him an intriguing option for the 49ers. At 26 years old, he brings a level of seasoning that Adrian Martinez lacks, having started 17 games across three NFL seasons. His dual-threat ability, honed during his college days, could complement Shanahan’s offensive scheme, which often maximizes quarterbacks’ mobility and quick decision-making.
The 49ers’ workout with Ridder signals that Shanahan is leaving no stone unturned. While the team hasn’t signed Ridder or any other quarterback from the workouts, his availability could provide a safety net if Purdy’s recovery is delayed or if Jones’ injury worsens. Ridder’s familiarity with NFC South opponents, including the upcoming Buccaneers, could also be a strategic advantage.
For now, the 49ers are preparing to face the Buccaneers with Mac Jones likely starting and Adrian Martinez as the backup. Jones has proven capable in Purdy’s absence, but his questionable status underscores the team’s precarious situation. If Purdy’s turf toe lingers, the 49ers may revisit adding a veteran like Ridder to bolster their depth.
Kyle Shanahan’s ability to adapt to adversity has defined his tenure with the 49ers, and his interest in Ridder suggests he’s keeping all options open. While Ridder may not be a household name, his experience and potential could make him a valuable asset—a secret weapon—if the 49ers’ quarterback woes persist. For now, the team will hope Jones stays healthy and Purdy returns soon, but Ridder remains a name to watch as San Francisco navigates this challenging stretch.