The San Francisco 49ers have waived former Wisconsin quarterback Tanner Mordecai, again. This is the third and final time he's going to be waived before the season starts. This time, it has a little bit of a sinister side to it. He and Carter Bradley were set to compete for the final QB3 spot on the roster in the final preseason game. They did, Mordecai seemed to win, but both got beaten up and injured. Now both are cut.
The 49ers have decided to waive both quarterbacks with an "injury designation." Leaving the team with only Brock Purdy and Mac Jones. There may be an opportunity for one or the other to find their way back on the team, but for now, they are gone.
#49ers waived injured quarterbacks Tanner Mordecai and Carter Bradley
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 25, 2025
Tanner Mordecai was excellent in the final preseason game but was waived after injury
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The NFL is always referred to as a cutthroat business, and this is an example of it. Players competing for a spot ultimately don't make it because of injury, not performance. Mordecai was actually excellent in the final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. His play propelled the 49ers to a 30-23 victory.
Mordecai went 10/13 for 103 yards and a touchdown. He also scrambled for 12 yards. His QBR rating came in at 124.8, which was a lot better than Bradley's 94.6. It led many San Francisco fans to call for Mordecai to be QB3.
His time in the NFL won't be over, as he proved he belongs on a roster and can be a decent backup. Mordecai's injury may derail some of that timing for other teams or even a shot back with the 49ers. It could be a minor injury (it's currently undisclosed), but either way, Mordecai is going to be looking for a roster spot or a practice squad opportunity.