The San Francisco 49ers have suffered an injury to rookie linebacker Nick Martin.
The San Francisco 49ers have suffered an offseason injury as rookie linebacker Nick Martin fractured his thumb while lifting weights, as reported by Noah Furtado of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Early reports were that it was a recent injury, but Furtado clarified the situation on his X account.
"Regarding rumors that #49ers third-round LB Nick Martin broke his thumb, he suffered a minor fracture a few weeks ago but did not miss any subsequent practices or workouts, per source. Martin won’t need surgery and is expected to be fully healthy by training camp."
It's notable that the thumb injury never sidelined Martin and he never missed any offseason practice time. He's expected to be fully ready for the beginning of training camp.
The 22-year-old missed seven games of his final season at Oklahoma State with a knee injury, but he's expected to be a contributor in his rookie season after the 49ers drafted him in the third round with the No. 75 overall pick.
Martin's pick wasn't a surprise, as the team needed to address defense in the draft.
Martin was a First-Team All-Big 12 standout who posted 140 tackles with 16 for loss last season, and should have an opportunity to crack the starting lineup early, as San Francisco doesn't have a ton of seasoned veterans at outside linebacker other than Fred Warner.
If Martin proves he's healthy, he'll be fighting for playing time with Dee Winters, Tatum Bethune and others. But first, he could have to impress on special teams for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
