49ers Select Rourke as Third Quarterback, Release Martinez
The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly released quarterback Adrian Martinez, with Kurtis Rourke earning the third-string quarterback role. Rourke missed the final two preseason games due to fractured ribs but still secured the job. The move helps the team finalize its 53-man roster.
The 49ers’ decision to keep Kurtis Rourke as the third quarterback, despite his fractured ribs sidelining him for the final two preseason games, underscores the team’s confidence in his recovery and potential. Rourke, an undrafted rookie out of Indiana, impressed coaches enough during training camp and early exhibition action to edge out Adrian Martinez, a veteran journeyman with NFL experience. The move finalizes San Francisco’s quarterback room behind starter Brock Purdy and backup Joshua Dobbs, prioritizing developmental upside over immediate depth. Martinez, who joined the 49ers in 2024, now becomes a free agent and may attract interest from teams seeking a seasoned backup.
This roster decision may signal a broader NFL trend toward valuing young, cost-controlled quarterbacks with untapped upside over experienced backups, especially for teams with a clear starter. For Rourke, the role offers a chance to develop within a stable system, though his injury history could limit immediate contributions. Fans and analysts may watch how the 49ers manage his recovery, as a third-string quarterback’s impact is typically minimal unless injuries strike. The move could also affect Martinez’s career trajectory, as he seeks a new team late in the preseason.