The San Francisco 49ers have announced the following roster moves ahead of Sunday's home opener against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium:
- Elevated QB Adrian Martinez from the team's practice squad (standard elevation)
- Elevated WR Malik Turner from the practice squad (standard elevation)
- Placed OL Spencer Burford on IR (injured reserve) due to a knee injury
Martinez is being elevated for the second week in a row and could suit up as Mac Jones' backup on Sunday. Jones, pressed into action with Brock Purdy sidelined by a toe injury, will likely get the starting nod. Martinez, meanwhile, brings a unique résumé to the role. The former UFL MVP had a stint with the Detroit Lions in training camp last summer and spent last season with the New York Jets before being waived in late August. San Francisco scooped him up on August 28, after he made the most of his preseason snaps, completing 30 of 51 passes for 352 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Turner has five years of experience as an NFL wide receiver, playing for the Seattle Seahawks in 2018 and 2019, the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 and 2021, and the 49ers in 2022. He spent the last two seasons on practice squads for four other teams, including the 49ers in 2024. In his career, Turner has appeared in 44 games, starting three of them in 2019. He has 29 career catches for 414 yards and four touchdowns. With Jauan Jennings questionable to play (ankle, shoulder) and rookie Jordan Watkins out (calf), the 49ers may need Turner.
Burford, a 4th-round pick in 2022, has appeared in 47 games, starting 29 of them. He started 16 games at right guard as a rookie, but has only had 13 starts since. Burford suffered a knee injury in Week 2 and had already been ruled out for Sunday's game before the move to IR.
These moves suggest Purdy and Jennings will be game-day decisions on Sunday.