The San Francisco 49ers are facing uncertainty at quarterback heading into Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. Starter Brock Purdy suffered injuries to his left shoulder and toe during Sunday's win over the Seattle Seahawks, with the toe issue reportedly being the greater concern. His practice participation this week will determine his availability. If Purdy can't go, Mac Jones is expected to start.
That leaves the question: Who would serve as Jones' backup? Currently, the only other quarterback in the building is Adrian Martinez, who signed to the practice squad on August 28 and is still getting up to speed with Kyle Shanahan's offense.
When asked whether the 49ers might need to add a more experienced quarterback, Shanahan admitted the team is keeping its options open.
"It's a possibility," Shanahan said on Monday. "I think it has to do with really how Brock is probably over these next 24 hours throughout the week. But that stuff, we'll look into."
The Athletic's Matt Barrows suggested a familiar name—one with experience in Shanahan's offense—if the 49ers decide to bring in a veteran: C.J. Beathard.
"C.J. Beathard is on the Detroit Lions' practice squad," Barrows wrote. "The 49ers have already brought back 2017 acquisitions Robert Saleh and Kendrick Bourne. Why not do the same with Beathard?"
Beathard, a 2017 third-round pick in Shanahan's first draft class with the 49ers, spent four seasons with the team and made 12 starts before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021. The Lions added him to their practice squad last week.
49ers' QB depth questioned
Barrows also noted the 49ers were pretty cavalier with the third quarterback spot this offseason, with a mix of Tanner Mordecai and Carter Bradley before settling on Martinez. Of course, there could be a reason for that. Their preferred third quarterback is still recovering from ACL surgery in January.
"They obviously see rookie Kurtis Rourke (ACL) as a future No. 3 and possible top backup," Barrows explained. "But he has yet to practice with the team, and it's unknown whether he'll play this year. In sum, it feels like they wasted that No. 3 spot in the spring and summer."
Whether the 49ers look outside the building for quarterback help remains to be seen. If no move is made, Martinez could be elevated to back up Jones on Sunday against New Orleans.
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