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.
Quarterbacks – Brock Purdy, Mac Jones
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.
Running back – Christian McCaffrey, Brian Robinson, Isaac Guerendo, Jordan James, Kyle Juszczyk
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.
Wide Receiver – Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Skyy Moore, Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing
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 story. Who doesn’t love an undrafted free agent? However, Valdez struggled against double teams and that’s a necessity in Robert Saleh’s defense. The team also drafted three rookies who figure to play the same position as Valdez. If the 49ers look back and regret not keeping Valdez, it’ll be because one of their rookies didn’t live up to their draft status.
The Niners also activated Yetur Gross-Matos from Injured Reserve, so it seems they expect him back sooner rather than later.
Linebacker – Fred Warner, Dee Winters, Nick Martin, Luke Gifford, Tatum Bethune
The Niners had quite a bit of depth here, but cut both Chazz Surratt and Curtis Robinson. Surratt was a tackling machine, while Robinson has been on the practice squad in years past. Both seem likely to return if they’re not signed elsewhere.
Cornerback – Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, Upton Stout, Darrell Luter Jr., Chase Lucas, Siran Neal
The 49ers cut Dallis Flowers, who had been running with the first-team defense during the preseason. Instead, they kept former fifth-round pick Darrell Luter Jr., who saw a lot of special teams snaps, and veteran Chase Lucas, who was a standout during training camp.
They also kept Siran Neal on the 53-man roster, going with six cornerbacks after having Jakob Robinson go on Injured Reserve.
Safety – Ji’Ayir Brown, Marques Sigle, Jason Pinnock, Richie Grant
This room was pretty straightforward, with Malik Mustapha going on the Physically Unable to Play (PUP) List. The three competing to start (Brown, Sigle, and Pinnock) all were locks, while veteran Richie Grant took the fourth spot in the room.
Specialists – Jake Moody, Thomas Morstead, Jon Weeks
The 49ers released punter Thomas Morstead. Since there are no other punters on the roster, this is likely a procedural move, and we can expect Morstead to re-sign at some point this week.
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