Niners Nation
The NFL’s 53-man roster cutdown deadline is just 24 hours away, which will result in a flurry of moves across the league as teams scale down from 90 players. The San Francisco 49ers began their cuts with a first wave of players on Monday, but the majority of moves will likely come Tuesday ahead of the 1:00 p.m. deadline.
While the cutdown deadline results in quite a few subtractions, it’s also an opportunity for teams to add, either via waivers or free agency, to their active roster or the practice squad.
The 49ers have been hit hard with injuries, which will likely impact their decisions as they make the cut to 53. Where could they look to add after the 53-man cutdown deadline?
Wide Receiver
One of the obvious groups where the 49ers could make moves is at wide receiver, where they are currently in a frenzy.
Starting wideout Ricky Pearsall is healthy, but the rest of the group is in flux. Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins, and Jauan Jennings are all dealing with injuries, with their Week 1 availability in question. Additionally, Demarcus Robinson will be suspended to start the year.
Skyy Moore will likely make the 53-man roster and be available Week 1 after the 49ers traded a sixth-round pick to get him. Russell Gage was on track to potentially make the roster, but he suffered a sprained MCL and is out a week as well. Behind them, it’s unclear who could be on the 53-man roster, so another addition here post roster cuts seems feasible.
Defensive Line
The 49ers are dealing with an injury to defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, who could start the year on the Physically Unable to Play (PUP) list.
San Francisco does have some depth along the defensive line, but it’s predominantly younger players, and some experience could be welcomed in the room.
Kalia Davis and Kevin Givens are still not practicing, with the latter likely also an Injured Reserve candidate to start the year. There have been a few trades regarding defensive linemen this past weekend, as teams look to add before roster cuts start.
But, the 49ers could wait out the market and go for a veteran after the cutdown deadline on Tuesday.
Running Back
The 49ers did add Brian Robinson Jr. to the room via trade, but they may not be done just yet.
Rookie Jordan James hasn’t started practicing yet after sustaining a broken finger, so the 49ers could look for a fourth back to start the year if they find an option on the market after Patrick Taylor’s season-ending injury.
This might be more of a practice squad addition with Isaac Guerendo available, but San Francisco could see if there’s an upgrade over Jeff Wilson Jr. after releasing KeShawn Vaughn on Monday.
James could be ready by Week 1, or the 49ers could keep him on the 53-man roster to save an Injured Reserve (IR) spot, so he would take the fourth spot in that case.
But, San Francisco may...
