Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers have released their “final” 53-man roster. We can expect several changes in the coming days, from IR moves to waiver claims. As it stands, here’s how the roster looks as of today.
We’ll see if the 49ers decide on Tanner Mordecai or Carter Bradley as their practice squad quarterback. The team could also elect to go outside of the roster. Otherwise, there are no surprises here. Like always, in an ideal season, we never mentioned the name Mac Jones.
Adding Robinson to the fold bolsters the 49ers’ running back room more than words could describe. The last thing this team wanted was to head into Week 1 with Christian McCaffrey’s backups injured.
Jacob Cowing is a likely Injured Reserve candidate after he was expected to miss about a month and a half with a hamstring injury. He makes the initial roster. Brandon Aiyuk starting on the PUP list and Demarcus Robinson’s suspension becoming official meant that wide receiver would be the most fluid position on the roster. Robinson’s suspension also means the Niners have an open roster spot.
The team also released Russell Gage, although his veteran status makes it possible that he returns to the practice squad immediately and suits up for Week 1.
The Niners released Robbie Chosen and Isaiah Hodgins. We could see players claimed off the waiver wire. But Jennings not going on the IR is a sign the team is confident he’ll be ready for Week 1.
Tight end – George Kittle, Luke Farrell, Jake Tonges
Tonges looked like he belonged during the preseason, and that’s all you can ask of your TE3. Tonges figures to make his hay on special teams. Brayden Willis likely lost his spot to Tonges. The 49ers know what they have in Willis. He’s had his opportunity to fail. Tongs has not.
Offensive line – Trent Williams, Ben Bartch, Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, Colton McKivitz, Spencer Burford, Drew Moss, Connor Colby, Matt Hennessy, Austen Pleasants
The 49ers saved spots elsewhere to go deeper along the offensive line. That allowed undrafted free agent Drew Moss to make the team. He has done nothing but prove he’s worthy of a roster spot this offseason. I’d go as far as saying that Moss was worthy of a draft pick. He certainly isn’t worth losing on the waiver wire.
Colby and Roster get the nod over Nick Zakelj. Hennessy makes the roster, which feels like a mild upset. Hennesy only lined up at center, so his lack of positional versatility felt like it would have cost him. The 49ers kept the better football player.
Defensive line – Nick Bosa, Bryce Huff, Mykel Williams, Yetur Gross-Matos, Alfred Collins, C.J. West, Jordan Elliott, Evan Anderson, Kalia Davis, Sam Okuayinonu
Valdez was a fan favorite and a good...
