Offense overview
Quarterbacks (3)
– Starter: Brock Purdy
– Backups: Mac Jones, Kurtis Rourke
– Out: Adrian Martinez
A preseason setback for Martinez led to his departure, while Rourke’s strong performances earned him a spot as a complementary signal-caller. Purdy remains the starter, with Jones and Rourke as experienced late-cycle options who can contribute in situational packages or in an emergency.
Running backs (3)
– Starter: Christian McCaffrey
– Backups: Jordan James, Kaelon Black
– Out/PUP/Practice Squad: Khalil Herbert (Out), Sincere McCormick (PS), Isaac Guerendo (PUP)
McCaffrey anchors a versatile ground game, supported by two promising young backs. The team kept a lean but capable group, with McCormick remaining on the practice squad and Guerendo sidelined by a four-game PUP designation due to an injury.
Fullback (1)
– In: Kyle Juszczyk
Juszczyk remains the fullback of record, providing leadership, blocking, and occasional receiving threat. No changes here, reinforcing a familiar tight-end-by-committee and backfield approach.
Wide receivers (6)
– Starters: Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel Sr., De’Zhaun Stribling
– Backups: Demarcus Robinson, Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins
– Out/IR/PS: Christian Kirk (IR with return designation), Will Pauling (PS), Khadarel Hodge (PS), Wesley Grimes (PS), Malik Turner, Trenton Irwin, Ricky Pearsall (season-ending IR), Brandon Aiyuk (left team)
The top three receivers are set with Evans, Samuel, and Stribling providing a mix of size, speed, and playmaking ability. Robinson and Cowing add depth and special-teams value, with Cowing showing promise as a return option in the preseason. If the team ultimately keeps five or six receivers for Week 1, a decision between Robinson and Watkins will likely determine the final roster shape at this group.
Tight ends (4)
– Starter: George Kittle
– Backups: Jake Tonges, Luke Farrell, Bradyen Willis
– Out/PS: Khalil Dinkins (PS), Hayden Rucci
Kittle remains the focal point of the pass-catching tight end corps. The backups provide a mix of inline blocking and receiving potential, though health and performance will determine future moves. Elevated expectations exist for Kittle, but the timeline for Week 1 status remains a talking point.
Offensive line (9)
– Starters (left to right): Trent Williams, Carver Willis, Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, Colton McKivitz
– Backups: Enrique Cruz Jr., Connor Colby, Jarrett Patterson (acquired in a trade with Houston for interior versatility), Vederian Lowe
– Out/PS/IR: Austen Pleasants (IR with return), Isaac Alarcon (PS), Drake Nugent (PS), Foster Sarell (PS), Nick Zakeji (season-ending IR), Brett Toth (season-ending IR), Robert Jones, Brandon Parker, Doug Kramer Jr.
The line features established talent with added interior versatility via Patterson. Willis’s development could push for an earlier starting role, while depth pieces offer protection against injuries across the interior trenches.
Defense overview
Defensive line (9)
– Starters: Keion White, Osa Odighizuwa, Alfred Collins, Nick Bosa
– Backups: Romello Height, C.J. West, Gracen Halton, James Thompson Jr., Sam Okuayinonu
– Out/PUP/IR/PS: Mykel Williams (PUP), Mikail Kamara (season-ending IR), KJ Henry (waived due to injury), Victor Dimukeje (IR), Andrew Farmer II (IR), Ogbo Okoronkwo (PS), Sebastian Valdez (PS), Bryson Eason, Quinton Bell, Jah Joyner, Evan Anderson, Viliami Fehoko Jr.
Bosa’s status for Week 1 generated some discussion, and Williams will begin the year on PUP. The defensive line mix aims to maintain pressure across the front and rotate fresh bodies as needed.
Linebackers (6)
– Starters: Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Jaden Dugger
– Backups: Garret Wallow, Tatum Bethune, Luke Gifford
– Out/IR/PS: Nick Martin (IR with return), Jalen Graham (PS), Deion Jones, Larry Worth III
Bethune’s roster spot may hinge on Martin’s return timeline. The linebacking corps is often fluid and could see adjustments as the season progresses and as injuries or performance dictate.
Defensive backs (10)
– Starters: Renardo Green, Malik Mustapha, Ji’Ayir Brown, Deommodore Lenoir, Upton Stout
– Backups: Jack Jones, Ephesians Prysock, Marques Sigle, Siran Neal, Ashtyn Davis (claimed via waivers)
– Out/IR/PS: Nate Hobbs (IR with return), Darrick Forrest (season-ending IR), Jakob Robinson (PS), Jalen Stroman (PS), Brandon Codrington (PS), Darrel Luter Jr., Eli Apple, Patrick McMorris
Ashtyn Davis’s activation adds depth at safety. The addition of Codrington to the practice squad could offer return specialization, and there’s potential for activation if the roster shrinks the wide receiver group.
Specialists (2)
– In: Punter Corliss Waitman (claimed via waivers), Kicker Eddy Piñiero
– Out: none
Piñiero’s strong preseason performance secures his kicking role, with the long snapper on the practice squad and likely to be activated for Week 1 as needed.
Practice squad (does not count against active roster)
– Isaac Alarcon, Khalil Dinkins, Jalen Graham, Wesley Grimes, Khadarel Hodge, Sincere McCormick, Drake Nugent, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Will Pauling, Jakob Robinson, Jalen Stroman, Sebastian Valdez, Jon Weeks (LS), Foster Sarell, Brandon Codrington
Roster movement remains a constant in the NFL, especially after cut-downs and before Week 1. The 49ers have navigated a high injury toll, making further adjustments likely as they prepare for the opening game against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
Additional notes
– The team continues evaluating players at several positions, and flexibility across the offensive and defensive lines remains a priority.
– Week 1 health news, especially regarding George Kittle and Nick Bosa, will influence immediate plans and potential last-minute roster tweaks.
– Special teams, particularly at long snap and punting, will play a crucial role in Week 1 readiness.
As the season approaches, the 49ers’ roster remains deep and versatile, designed to compete for a championship window. While the path may include further changes, the current 53-man roster reflects a balance of proven veterans, rising young players, and strategic additions intended to maximize performance across all phases of the game.
