Roughly two weeks before the start of the season, the San Francisco 49ers finalized their 53-man roster. Needless to say, there were some head-scratching decisions. They elected to keep an unprecedented seven linebackers, a gaudy amount considering most teams carry around five.
Linebacker Nick Martin was one of those lucky seven. Though many considered him expendable, the 49ers elected to keep him around, likely thanks to a peculiar roster loophole that currently leaves the team without a punter.
In order to retain the maximum amount of talent after the preseason, the 49ers elected to cut punter Corliss Waitman and long snapper Jon Weeks. The franchise will not be without the two special teams gurus for long, though. As vested veterans, they don't have to clear waivers and will almost certainly re-sign with the team after a few additional roster moves are made. The linebacker Martin will most likely be one of those transactions.
49ers have clear plan for Nick Martin that doesn't involve a release
The 49ers didn't take long to realize Martin might be more of a special teams player than a contributor on defense. However, it would be senseless to let go of the former third-round pick if the team doesn't have to.
That's where the roster gymnastics comes into play.
The former Oklahoma State linebacker is currently dealing with a hamstring injury that he sustained in Week 2 of the preseason. Because the 49ers cut Waitman and Weeks, they have enough roster space to retain him and send him to the Injured Reserve.
Martin likely has this strategy to thank for his job, as the 49ers will hardly need all seven linebackers this season. Even fellow linebacker Luke Gifford will resume his role on special teams once he recovers from his own injury.
49ers will surely fix roster holes before Week 1
The creative roster loophole will allow the 49ers to retain a few more talented players. Granted, they will still be able to re-sign their punter and long snapper in time for Week 1's opener in Australia.
While playing against the Super Bowl favorite Los Angeles Rams without a punter would be entertaining if nothing else, fans can take a breath knowing that their team will enter the contest with their roster fully intact.
The real dilemma will occur when Nick Martin inevitably returns from injury. If San Francisco doesn't have any available jobs, it might mean the end in San Francisco for the sophomore. It's not unrealistic to think the team may have a need for him in the future, though, as injuries have already plagued training camp. At this point, anything is possible, and the red and gold could find their linebacker room shallow if the bumps and bruises continue to mount.
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