After a disastrous 2024 campaign, the San Francisco 49ers got off to the start the fans have been waiting for on Sunday, coming up with the road win against the Seattle Seahawks. The elation, however, didn't last long. Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed on Monday that QB Brock Purdy was dealing with an injury and was questionable to play in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints.
When the injury reports were released on Wednesday, 49ers fans got a better idea of the severity of the situation. Purdy didn't practice due to a toe injury he suffered in Week 1. He is also dealing with a sore left shoulder, according to The Athletic's Vic Tafur, Dianna Russini, and Matt Barrows. According to Shanahan, the injury took place when Seahawks safety Julian Love tackled Purdy in the second quarter. The star quarterback finished the game, but it sounds like things have taken a turn since.
Mike White Works Out with the 49ers as Team Looks for QB2
Not only is Mac Jones preparing to start under center on Sunday, but the 49ers are also looking for backup options. Barrows reported that the team had veteran QB Mike White in for a tryout.
A decision has yet to be made, but San Francisco's interest in White is understandable. The 30-year-old has a ton of experience as a QB2 in the league and has started seven games in his eight-year career. More importantly, however, is his familiarity with Shanahan's offense thanks to his tenures under Mike LaFleur with the Jets and Mike McDaniel in Miami.
If White doesn't sign with the 49ers, the backup quarterback situation becomes a big question mark. Quarterbacks Kurtis Rourke and Carter Bradley are both injured, leaving Adrian Martinez, who is currently on the practice squad, as the only option. Martinez spent all of last year on the Jets' practice squad, but has never appeared in an NFL game. His lone professional experience consists of his stint with the Birmingham Stallions in the United Football League, where he won the UFL Championship MVP in the 2024 season.
With limited time between now and Sunday, Martinez looks set to be the QB2 against the Saints, barring a late decision to sign White or another veteran signal-caller.