The San Francisco 49ers have made their decision at QB3 on Saturday. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the 49ers are releasing Adrian Martinez and going with Kurtis Rourke as their number three quarterback behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones.
The #49ers are releasing Adrian Martinez, going with Kurtis Rourke as QB3.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2026
The decision isn't necessarily a surprise considering what Rourke showed in his limited preseason action (and what Martinez showed in his extended action).
Rourke looked good in the 49ers' preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, finishing 12 for 14 for 101 yards before his night ended with a rib injury. He suffered three broken ribs on a goal-line play and was taken to the hospital after experiencing trouble breathing.
The injury kept Rourke out for the remainder of the preseason, but apparently it wasn't enough to change the team's evaluation of him.
The former Indiana Hoosier missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a knee injury during his final college season. The 49ers selected him in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, knowing he would need time to recover. Although he's barely played, 49ers coaches believe they have seen enough.
Martinez tried to make a case of his own. He saw plenty of action throughout the preseason and showed some of the athleticism that made him an intriguing option behind Purdy and Jones. He made some plays through the air and on the ground. But he was just too inconsistent. The 49ers ultimately opted for Rourke.
For a team that has dealt with its share of quarterback injuries in recent years, having a capable number three quarterback is important. When Purdy missed the first game the 49ers played against the Los Angeles Rams last season, Jones showed great toughness in leading the team to victory. But he dealt with his own injuries, and Martinez was almost called upon. The 49ers hope Rourke is a better option in case that happens again.
More moves will be made on Sunday as the 49ers pare down their roster to the initial 53.
More info on: Mac Jones, Brock Purdy, Kurtis Rourke
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