San Francisco 49ers tight end Brayden Willis flew 16 hours to Melbourne, only to be cut from the team shortly after arriving in Australia.
The decision came just before the historic NFL match against the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Willis had crossed the Pacific with his teammates, battled jet lag and begun settling in before learning he had been removed from San Francisco's 53-man active roster. The 49ers waived Willis to create a space for long snapper Jon Weeks, who is responsible for punts and field goals. Weeks had initially been placed on the team's practice squad as part of a roster maneuver before the season.
The 49ers needed Weeks on the active list for the game against the Rams, making Willis the player to be moved aside. This created the immediate possibility that Willis could be claimed by another NFL team and ordered to depart Australia, potentially facing another lengthy journey to join a club on the opposite side of the United States.
Ultimately, Willis cleared the league's waiver system and was re-signed to the 49ers' practice squad, allowing him to remain in Melbourne. The move still prompted surprise among NFL fans, with some describing it as "brutal" before understanding the procedural nature of the transaction.
The roster move may also offer insight into the status of star tight end George Kittle. Kittle traveled to Melbourne despite a torn Achilles tendon sustained in January. The decision to waive another player at his position suggests the 49ers believe the veteran has a strong chance of playing against the Rams. Willis could still be promoted from the practice squad if Kittle is unable to play.
Willis, a seventh-round draft pick in 2023, has frequently moved between the 49ers' active roster and practice squad during his NFL career. His blocking ability is noted as a potential asset that could see him develop into a fullback.
The 49ers arrived in Melbourne a full week before the game, an approach chosen to help players adjust to the long travel time. General manager John Lynch stated the team wanted its players properly acclimatized before the season opener. In contrast, the Rams are scheduled to arrive just 24 hours before kickoff.
San Francisco's players have already participated in local events, including attending an AFL game and meeting with Melbourne Storm rugby league stars. Willis will continue with the team, though his chances of playing in the game in front of an anticipated crowd of nearly 100,000 spectators depend on further roster adjustments.
The 49ers and Rams are set to play on Friday at 10:35 a.m. AEST, marking the first regular-season NFL game held at the MCG.