Adrian Martinez is still in the middle of a quarterback battle with the San Francisco 49ers, but his latest preseason outing did him no favors.
The former Nebraska star got another extended look on Thursday night in San Francisco’s blowout win over the Chargers, and the chance to strengthen his case for the QB3 job slipped away fast. Martinez finished 8 of 17 for 57 yards, added 10 rushing yards and a touchdown on four carries, and also threw for a touchdown. The issue that will stick with decision-makers is the pair of interceptions.
That comes on the heels of a shaky first preseason game, when Martinez completed 16 of 30 passes for 159 yards. He avoided turnovers in that one, but he was sacked twice, leaving him with a rough opening pair of performances overall.
The competition around him isn’t exactly helping his cause. Former Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke is viewed as the leading candidate for the third quarterback job behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones, and Rourke had a strong first preseason outing before leaving last week’s game with an injury. He did not play Thursday night, while Purdy, Martinez and Jones all saw action.
That leaves Martinez in a tricky spot. If Rourke remains sidelined, the ex-Husker could end up in the third quarterback role by default to open the season. But if San Francisco has to choose between Martinez and someone outside the organization, his preseason tape so far may push the 49ers toward another option.
Martinez has kept grinding for a real NFL foothold. He appeared briefly in a regular-season game for the 49ers last year, and before that he spent two straight preseasons trying to make the New York Jets’ roster before eventually taking the XFL or practice squad route.
There is still a path here, though. The 49ers have dealt with injuries and have had ongoing issues keeping quarterbacks healthy, which means Martinez may continue to get chances to show he belongs.
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Nebraska's New QB1 Could Change Everything If One Risk Doesn't Follow Him
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The question is how far Nebraska can push that upside without letting the downside travel with him. Colandreas aggressive style helped make him such a dynamic player, but it also brings the turnover risk that can stall drives and undercut momentum. Nebraskas success with him may depend less on asking him to be something he is not and more on surrounding him with enough support and protection to let the talent show up without the mistakes taking over. [Read more 🡒]