The San Francisco 49ers, heading into Week 6 with a 4-1 record, are facing a quarterback crisis that has forced them to explore external options. With Brock Purdy sidelined by a persistent toe injury and Mac Jones battling multiple ailments, the team recently worked out three quarterbacks—Desmond Ridder, Nathan Peterman, and Quinten Dormady—to shore up their depth. While none were signed immediately, the workouts signal the 49ers’ urgency to prepare for a worst-case scenario as they face a critical matchup against the 4-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A Precarious Quarterback Situation
Brock Purdy’s turf toe has kept him out of three of the last four games, and he was absent from practice again this week. While he’s not on injured reserve, suggesting a potential return soon, his absence leaves the 49ers vulnerable. Mac Jones, the current starter, is managing a knee injury from Week 3 and a new oblique strain from the team’s Week 5 overtime win against the Rams. Jones has held the offense together, but his injuries raise concerns about his durability for the upcoming game.
With both quarterbacks compromised, undrafted rookie Adrian Martinez remains the backup. Martinez, who has yet to play in an NFL game, has been getting more first-team reps in practice, allowing head coach Kyle Shanahan to evaluate him in a live offense rather than just scout team duties. Shanahan noted he has a specific package of plays in mind for Martinez, indicating growing confidence in the young quarterback. However, the decision to work out three experienced quarterbacks suggests the 49ers are not fully convinced Martinez can step up if needed.
The Workout Trio: Who Are They?
The 49ers brought in Desmond Ridder, Nathan Peterman, and Quinten Dormady for workouts, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on October 10. Each quarterback brings a different level of experience and potential to the table.
Desmond Ridder: The Proven Starter
Desmond Ridder, a 26-year-old third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, is the standout of the group. With 25 games played and 18 starts, Ridder has significant NFL experience. He’s completed 63.6% of his passes for 4,002 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. His mobility and ability to run a functional offense make him an appealing option for a team needing a reliable backup on short notice. Ridder’s journey this year has seen him move from Cincinnati to Minnesota, but his experience makes him a strong candidate for the 49ers if they need to bolster their roster.
Nathan Peterman: The Emergency Option
Nathan Peterman, a seven-year veteran, is the definition of a “break-glass-in-case-of-emergency” quarterback. He’s appeared in 15 games with five starts, throwing for 712 yards, four touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. While his stats are underwhelming, Peterman’s experience in high-pressure situations could provide the 49ers with a stopgap if both Purdy and Jones are unavailable. However, his inconsistent performance makes him a risky choice.
Quinten Dormady: The Developmental Prospect
Quinten Dormady, the least experienced of the trio, has never been on an active NFL roster but has shown promise in spring leagues. In the XFL, he threw for 1,507 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions, followed by 1,206 yards and six touchdowns in the UFL. Dormady is a long-term developmental option rather than an immediate solution, but his arm talent makes him a potential practice squad addition or third-string quarterback.
Lessons from the Workouts
The 49ers’ decision to work out these quarterbacks offers several key takeaways:
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Depth is Critical in the NFL: Injuries to Purdy and Jones highlight the importance of having reliable quarterback depth. Even a team as talented as the 49ers can be derailed by injuries at the game’s most important position. The workouts show proactive planning to avoid being caught off-guard.
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Experience Matters, But So Does Potential: Ridder’s 18 starts make him the most battle-tested option, but Dormady’s spring league success suggests untapped potential. The 49ers are balancing immediate needs with long-term development in their evaluations.
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Shanahan’s System Requires Adaptability: Kyle Shanahan’s offense is complex, requiring quarterbacks to process quickly and execute precisely. The fact that Martinez is getting first-team reps indicates Shanahan is tailoring a game plan to his skill set, but the workouts suggest he’s also looking for players who can adapt to his system on short notice.
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No Immediate Signing, But the Door Remains Open: The 49ers didn’t sign any of the three quarterbacks after the workouts, likely because Jones is still functional and Martinez is improving. However, the workouts indicate they’re keeping their options open, especially if Purdy’s recovery stalls or Jones’ injuries worsen.
What’s Next for the 49ers?
As the 49ers prepare to face the Buccaneers, Mac Jones will start, with Martinez as the backup. The team’s decision not to sign Ridder, Peterman, or Dormady suggests confidence in Jones’ ability to play through his injuries and Martinez’s potential to step in if needed. However, the workouts are a clear signal that the 49ers are ready to act quickly if the situation deteriorates.
If Purdy’s toe injury lingers or Jones suffers a setback, Ridder appears to be the most likely candidate to join the roster due to his experience and mobility. Peterman and Dormady could also be called back, depending on whether the team prioritizes a veteran presence or a developmental arm.
Conclusion
The 49ers’ quarterback workouts underscore the fragility of their current situation. With Purdy and Jones battling injuries, the team is wisely exploring all options to maintain their competitive edge in a crucial stretch of the season. Desmond Ridder, with his 18 starts, represents the most immediate solution, while Peterman and Dormady offer different levels of experience and potential. As the 49ers navigate this challenging period, the lessons from these workouts highlight the importance of preparation, adaptability, and depth in the NFL.