Niners bolster QB depth with Adrian Martinez's return and scout offensive line talent, preparing for playoff challenges and potential injuries.
The San Francisco 49ers continued to fine-tune their roster ahead of the final stretch of the regular season, bringing quarterback Adrian Martinez back onto the practice squad while also hosting a pair of offensive line tryouts earlier this week.
Martinez returns to Santa Clara after recently clearing waivers following his release from the New York Jets. The move provides San Francisco with a familiar presence at quarterback as the team continues evaluating rookie Kurtis Rourke during practice. Martinez spent time with the 49ers earlier this season and offers a level of comfort and understanding within Kyle Shanahan’s system.
Beyond serving as depth, Martinez fills an important behind the scenes role. With postseason football approaching, the 49ers are preparing for the possibility of facing mobile quarterbacks in January. Whether it’s Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, or another dual-threat option, Martinez’s athletic skill set makes him a useful scout team quarterback who can replicate this type of quarterback play and offense during practice sessions.
The decision to bring Martinez back also allows San Francisco to manage reps for its quarterbacks as the season winds down. With playoff positioning potentially secured in the coming weeks, maintaining flexibility and health at the position becomes increasingly important.
In addition to the quarterback move, the 49ers brought in guards Iosua Opeta and Aiden Williams for tryouts, according to the league’s transaction wire. Both linemen saw preseason action at right guard for their respective teams and represent experienced depth options should the need arise.
The timing of the tryouts is notable given the status of left guard Spencer Burford. While head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated earlier in the week that Burford’s knee and ankle “checked out pretty good,” his availability for full participation remains something the team will continue to monitor. Shanahan suggested Burford was expected to practice, but the 49ers appear to be preparing contingency plans in case his workload needs to be managed. Burford has been the weak link of the offensive line week in and week out as well, monitoring his workload or splitting it between others in the post season is definitely something worth exploring.
San Francisco’s offensive line has dealt with fluctuations throughout the season, and adding potential depth late in the year is a common move for playoff-bound teams. Even if Opeta and Williams are not immediately signed, bringing them in provides the coaching staff with updated evaluations and emergency options should injuries arise.
With the postseason looming, these smaller roster decisions can carry outsized importance. Whether it’s Martinez helping simulate opposing quarterbacks or the front office quietly reinforcing offensive line depth, the 49ers continue to position themselves for a strong finish as January approaches.