- Former Wisconsin QB Tanner Mordecai played in the 49ers’ preseason opener against the Broncos.
- Mordecai struggled, completing 3 of 6 passes for 21 yards and an interception in limited action.
- Mordecai is aiming to regain the form he displayed at SMU before transferring to Wisconsin.
Former Wisconsin quarterback Tanner Mordecai, after a busy week of transactions, took the field for the San Francisco 49ers in their 2025 NFL preseason opener on Saturday.
After backup Mac Jones and third-string Carter Bradley began the game under center, Mordecai handled the final three offensive drives in the team’s 30-9 loss to the Denver Broncos. He and the 49ers’ offense struggled in that limited time, ending those drives with a turnover on downs, an interception and a punt. Mordecai completed three of six pass attempts for 21 passing yards and the mentioned interception. He also took one carry for 15 rushing yards.
The former Badger is looking to make a longshot run at an active roster spot after spending the 2024 season on the 49ers’ practice squad. Offseason acquisitions of Jones and Bradley, as well as the seventh-round selection of Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke in the 2025 NFL draft, aren’t helping the former Badger’s chances.
Mordecai is looking to recapture the top form he flashed in 2021 and 2022 at SMU. He totaled a combined 7,152 passing yards, 72 touchdowns and 22 interceptions over those two years, in addition to adding 302 rushing yards and four rushing scores. The veteran then completed 65% of his passes for 2,066 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions in his one year at Wisconsin. That season was significantly impacted by a broken hand suffered in mid-October.
The former Wisconsin signal-caller will return to action on Saturday, Aug. 16, when the 49ers visit the Las Vegas Raiders.
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