Who Should I Start? Adrian Martinez or Graham Mertz

Saturday, September 13, 6:18 PM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Adrian Martinez has been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Martinez was signed to the 49ers practice squad after failing to make the New York Jets initial 53-man roster. He wasn't expected to be anything more than a third or fourth string depth option. However, the 49ers are going to be without Brock Purdy (shoulder) and Kurtis Rourke (knee) for Sunday's game. That being said, Martinez will head to the active roster and be the backup to Mac Jones. There isn't fantasy value here with Martinez right now, but he's a name to watch if something happens to Jones.

Monday, August 25, 6:32 AM

Houston Texans quarterback Graham Mertz got the start in the team's preseason finale in Detroit on Sunday, and the sixth-round rookie had a very strong showing while leading his team to a 26-7 win over the Lions. With starter C.J. Stroud and primary backup Davis Mills getting the day off, Mertz completed 14 of his 16 pass attempts for an efficient 145 passing yards. He threw a touchdown to Quintez Cephus and led three scoring drives before halftime. He also added 20 rushing yards on two carries. Mertz played ahead of Kedon Slovis, who was on the Texans' practice squad last year and took over for the second half of Saturday's win. Mertz likely secured the third spot on the quarterback depth chart with his strong showing, while Slovis could be headed back to the practice squad.