The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back Adrian Martinez. Again.
The on-again, off-again Niners quarterback is back on the roster, which led to San Francisco releasing Sincere McCormick on Tuesday.
This will mark Martinez’s second official stint with the 49ers this year, though he has also toggled between the practice squad and active roster. Martinez, who was waived Nov. 15, has appeared in one game this season, with one carry for minus-1 yards against the New York Giants in Week 9.
The Niners (7-4) will host the upstart Carolina Panthers (6-5) on Monday night at Levi’s Stadium.
Sincere McCormick Has Been A Practice Squad Running Back
McCormick has not suited up for the 49ers this season and has only been on the roster for depth. The 25-year-old, second-year RB had 39 carries for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 and amassed 183 yards.
McCormick was released as part of the Raiders’ final cuts in August but was picked up by the 49ers shortly thereafter. Niners fans might remember feeling their stomachs drop when Christian McCaffrey was diagnosed with a calf injury, which warranted having extra RBs on the roster.
But unlike in 2024, when McCaffrey missed 13 games with the array of leg injuries, the superstar running back has been a workhorse once again. He leads the NFL in carries (193) and has monopolized the Niners backfield — even Brian Robinson Jr., a former RB1 for the Washington Commanders has been unable to average more than five carries per game.
McCaffrey and Robinson are the only two running backs on the roster — not counting fullback Kyle Jusczyk. As long as they are both healthy, there’s no need for McCormick, especially if San Francisco wants extra QB depth with injuries to starter Brock Purdy and backup Mac Jones.
The 49ers Still Have Extra Running Backs On Their Roster
McCaffrey is only months away from his 30th birthday, and fans would be right to point out the lack of RB depth on the 49ers — particularly since McCaffrey is only one hit from no longer being on the field and with the trade deadline past.
But lost amid their usage of both McCaffrey and Robinson is the fact there are four RBs on the roster, including Isaac Guerendo and rookie Jordan James. Guerendo, of course, was a fan favorite in 2024 but has only played special teams this year — he has participated in 51 percent of their special-teams snaps.
James, who rushed for 2,215 yards and 31 touchdowns in his three seasons at the University of Oregon, has not seen the field at all in 2025.
Plus, Patrick Taylor Jr. is still on the 49ers practice squad and could be elevated if either Robinson or McCaffrey are injured. Taylor has not suited up this season but is in his fifth season and had 183 yards on 39 carries and one touchdown for the 49ers in 2024.
Part of trading for Robinson was to give the 49ers an NFL-caliber backup running back, since they have lost much of their depth in free agency. His presence, and McCaffrey’s health, have mitigated any need for further depth in the Niners RBs room.
49ers Part Ways With Running Back After Re-Signing Recently Released QB