As the 49ers prepare for at least one game – but quite possibly more – without Brock Purdy available, their quarterback setup will be worth watching closely. Mac Jones is set to handle starting duties, and an internal option will be relied on to back him up. 
San Francisco hosted Mike White this week knowing depth will be needed in the wake of Purdy’s turf toe injury. That ailment has produced a reported recovery timeline of two to five weeks, so Jones will likely be needed beyond Sunday’s game against the Saints. White is not being signed as a backup at this time, however. Instead, Adrian Martinez is set to handle QB2 duties for at least Week 2.
“While Mike has been in our system in the past, Adrian’s been here the last few weeks and he has a good understanding of what we do and how we do it,” general manager John Lynch said (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle) when discussing the team’s short-term quarterback plans.
White has spent time with ex-49ers staffers Mike LaFleur (Jets) and Mike McDaniel (Dolphins), making him a familiar target in terms of head coach Kyle Shanahan‘s scheme. In spite of that, Martinez will get the first chance at serving as the team’s backup. The 2023 UDFA has not yet made a regular season appearance, and this summer he was unable to carve out the third-string role with the Jets. That resulted in Martinez being waived shortly before final roster cuts.
The 2024 UFL MVP was signed to the Seahawks’ practice squad shortly thereafter, but he then joined the 49ers’ taxi squad. Martinez is therefore in position to be promoted to the active roster over the coming days; failing that, he will be one of San Francisco’s gameday elevations for Week 2. In the meantime, the 49ers will continue to explore the market for additions amongst available passers.
“We’ll continue to put ourselves in the best possible situation looking at various opportunities for people,” Lynch added. “But right now, that’s where we’re at.”