49ers signing QB Adrian Martinez, Dominick Puni’s status, other roster updates

The San Francisco 49ers waived quarterbacks Carter Bradley and Tanner Mordecai as part of the team's cut-down to the 53-man roster. Both were waived with an injury designation, went unclaimed, and subsequently landed on the 49ers' injured reserve list.

That left San Francisco with only two healthy quarterbacks—Brock Purdy and Mac Jones. Rookie Kurtis Rourke remains on the non-football injury (NFI) list after undergoing ACL surgery in January.

General manager John Lynch told reporters on Wednesday that the team plans to sign former New York Jets quarterback Adrian Martinez to the practice squad.

"He's still en route, but Adrian Martinez is his name," Lynch said. "Was with the Jets and he's en route."

Martinez entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions. He had a stint with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL before joining the Jets last year.

Dominick Puni's Week 1 status

Starting right guard Dominick Puni suffered a knee sprain during the preseason, leaving his Week 1 status uncertain. If the second-year lineman cannot go, rookie Connor Colby is expected to start in his place.

Meanwhile, projected starting left guard Ben Bartch recently returned from an elbow injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed optimism that both linemen would be available against the Seattle Seahawks on September 7.

"We're optimistic about it," head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "We're hoping so. I guess I'd say that'd be trending in the right direction, but we won't know that until next week. We got Bartch back out on Monday's practice, so we're on course for that, and hoping to get Puni out sometime next week, if not Monday—hopefully Wednesday. But he's doing good in his rehab, and it's looking positive so far."

Other impending roster moves

Lynch also revealed that the 49ers plan to re-sign Russell Gage to the 53-man roster, with the expectation that he will participate in Wednesday's practice. However, reporters noticed that the veteran wide receiver was not actually at practice and could instead show up for Thursday's session.

The general manager added that the 49ers will make more practice squad additions soon.

Players return to practice

Rookie cornerback Upton Stout, who has been dealing with a calf injury, is expected to return to practice on Wednesday. Additionally, rookie running back Jordan James, who suffered a broken finger, was back on the field.